Naranja vs. anaranjado – how do you say the color “orange” in Spanish?

What is the difference in meaning between “naranja” and “anaranjado” in Spanish?

Technically, “naranja” is the name of the fruit and “anaranjado” is the name of the color. Later on, “naranja” eventually came to be used to refer to the corresponding colour as well, just like in English. If it helps you remember, you can think of anaranjado as technically translating to “oranged”.

It is actually very common in Spanish that a word that is typically used as a noun, like naranja/orange, is used as a color by itself. Some other examples are cherry (cereza), chocolate (chocolate), lemon (limón), straw-colored (pajizo), lilac (lila), turquoise (turquesa), and violet (violeta).

“Naranja” v. “anaranjado”?

The RAE (Real Academia Española, largely considered the authority on the Spanish language) offers that the definition of naranja can be both the fruit and color.

In Spanish, “naranja” and “anaranjado” both relate to the color orange, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

Naranja:

Meaning: “Naranja” primarily refers to the fruit orange. However, it is also commonly used to describe the color orange.
Example: “El sol se pone y pinta el cielo de un tono naranja.” (The sun sets, painting the sky with an orange hue.)

Anaranjado:

Meaning: “Anaranjado” specifically denotes the color orange.
Example: “Las hojas de otoño son de un color anaranjado hermoso.” (The autumn leaves are of a beautiful orange color.)
In summary, while “naranja” can refer to both the fruit and the color, “anaranjado” specifically pertains to the color orange. The choice between the two depends on the context; use “naranja” when referring to the fruit or in general terms, and use “anaranjado” when explicitly discussing the color.

Most Spanish speakers will tell you that the two terms are interchangeable when you are referring to the color orange. Some holdout sticklers might tell you that per their dictionary, anaranjado is the “official” word for the color orange. Still others will tell you the exact opposite, that they have actually never heard anaranjado used to mean the color in daily usage, rather they typically hear naranja for both the fruit and color.

Clearly, it can vary quite a bit by country and perhaps even the region that you are in. In our opinion, you are fine to use either, but it may be more common to say “naranja” for both in conversational Spanish.

“Naranja” is an invariable adjective. This means that the form will not vary depending on the gender or number of the noun that it is describing.

Embarking on the colorful journey of language exploration, delving into the hues that make up our linguistic palette unveils the beauty and diversity of expression. In this article, we focus on a particular shade that radiates warmth and vibrancy: the color orange. As we navigate the linguistic landscape of Spanish, we aim to unravel the nuances and intricacies involved in conveying this energetic hue. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious about the linguistic kaleidoscope of Spanish, understanding how to say the color orange goes beyond mere vocabulary; it’s an invitation to discover the cultural and linguistic facets that infuse everyday conversations with vivid hues. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of language and color, uncovering the Spanish expression for the radiant and captivating color that lies between red and yellow.

Learn more about the names of colors in Spanish here.

If you’re looking for more great resources, head on over to learn Spanish in the car, or read about Spanish compliments.

Our linguistic journey through the spectrum of colors in Spanish has brought us to the vibrant and dynamic realm of the color orange. Beyond its visual allure, understanding how to articulate this hue in Spanish unveils a subtle dance between language and culture. From the warmth of a setting sun to the zest of citrus fruits, the Spanish expression for the color orange encapsulates a rich tapestry of associations. Whether you’re conversing with native speakers, immersing yourself in Spanish literature, or simply adding a splash of cultural vibrancy to your language repertoire, the knowledge of how to say “orange” in Spanish becomes a colorful brushstroke in the canvas of cross-cultural communication. As we celebrate the linguistic diversity embedded in even the simplest of words, may the radiant glow of orange continue to illuminate our appreciation for the beauty woven into the fabric of language. ¡Naranja, un color lleno de vida! (Orange, a color full of life!)