Black, a color with profound cultural, historical, and artistic significance, can be described in multiple ways in the English language. Whether you’re a writer seeking to paint a vivid picture with words or someone just trying to expand their vocabulary, there are numerous synonyms and descriptive terms for the color black. Let’s dive into the many expressions, shades, and nuances of this classic hue.
Ways to Say Black
- Noir
- Obsidian
- Graphite
- Shadow
- Charcoal
- Cinder
- Ebony
- Deep black
- Pitch-dark
- Carbon
- Raven
- Slate (though this can also refer to a dark grey)
- Soot
- Ink
- Coal
- Blackish
- Blackened
- Lampblack
- Jet-black
- Sable
- Night
- Raven-black
- Onyx
- Tar
- Pitch
- Licorice
- Inky black
- Midnight
- Dark
- Jet
Cool Ways to Say Black
Here are some “cool” or alternative ways to describe or refer to the color black, taking into account cultural references, fashion, and popular terminology:
- Blackberry (deep and rich like the fruit)
- Cosmic
- Eclipse
- Shadowy
- Inkwell
- Phantom
- Galactic
- Darkside
- Pitch-black
- Vantablack (a super-black coating that absorbs almost all visible light)
- Ninja
- Space
- Panther
- Dark knight
- Void
- Abyss
- Blackout
- Stealth
- Stygian
- Nighthawk
Words for Black Skin
Describing black or brown skin can be done in a multitude of ways that honor and appreciate the diversity and beauty of such complexions. Here’s a list of words and phrases that can be used to describe black or brown skin, taking care to choose words that are respectful and positive:
- Chestnut
- Chocolate
- Tawny
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Hazel
- Rich brown
- Coffee
- Toasted almond
- Sepia
- Caramel
- Mahogany
- Walnut
- Cocoa
- Fawn
- Ebony
- Bronze
- Umber
- Raisin
- Mocha
Another Word for Black Beauty
- Lustrous onyx
- Noir allure
- Melanated grace
- Afrocentric elegance
- Nubian queen/king
- Melanin magic
- Radiant ebony
- Ethereal melanin
- Richly hued splendor
- Majestic mocha
Foreign Words for Black
“Black” is a fundamental color term in many languages. Here’s how you say “black” in various languages:
- Tamil: கருப்பு (Karuppu)
- Persian: سیاه (Siyah)
- Greek: Μαύρο (Mávro)
- Swahili: Nyeusi
- German: Schwarz
- French: Noir
- Korean: 검은색 (Geom-eunsaek)
- Russian: Чёрный (Chyorny)
- Dutch: Zwart
- Bengali: কালো (Kālo)
- Urdu: سیاہ (Siyaah)
- Hindi: काला (Kālā)
- Italian: Nero
- Arabic: أسود (Aswad)
- Chinese (Mandarin): 黑色 (Hēisè)
- Japanese: 黒 (Kuro)
- Swedish: Svart
- Spanish: Negro
- Turkish: Siyah
- Portuguese: Preto
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Alternatives for Black | Image
