färgstark

Färgstark is a Swedish adjective used to describe something with strong, saturated colors. It can refer to color itself or to the overall visual impression of an object, such as a painting, textile pattern, garment, or interior design scheme. The term is also used, though more cautiously, in figurative contexts to evoke a lively or dramatic atmosphere or personality, especially in discussions of aesthetics.

The word is a compound of färg (color) and stark (strong). This formation signals intensity of color and intentional design rather than casual or faint coloration. Färgstark often implies vividness, high saturation, and contrast.

In usage, färgstark is commonly applied to art criticism, fashion journalism, and design discourse. It denotes palettes that are bold and attention-grabbing, where colors work together to create a striking effect. By comparison, färgrik emphasizes a richness of color overall, while färgglad tends to convey a cheerful, playful brightness. The nuance among these terms helps speakers describe not just how many colors appear, but how they feel and behave visually.

In translations, färgstark is typically rendered as colorful or vibrant, depending on context. It is a versatile descriptor that can apply to visual works, spaces, and, metaphorically, to expressive modes in literature or media.