In French, colors are adjectives and usually agree with the noun they describe. Most colors follow predictable rules; a handful are invariable.
The main colors
| French | English | Note |
|---|
| rouge | red | Same in masc/fem |
| bleu(e) | blue | |
| vert(e) | green | |
| jaune | yellow | Same in masc/fem |
| noir(e) | black | |
| blanc / blanche | white | |
| gris(e) | grey | |
| violet / violette | purple | |
| rose | pink | Same in masc/fem |
| orange | orange | Invariable — never changes |
| marron | brown | Invariable |
| beige | beige | |
Shades and modifiers
When you add 'clair' (light) or 'foncé' (dark), the color stops agreeing — it becomes invariable.
| French | English | Note |
|---|
| bleu clair | light blue | Invariable: une robe bleu clair |
| vert foncé | dark green | |
| bleu marine | navy blue | |
| rouge vif | bright red | |
Examples in context
| French | English | Note |
|---|
| un pull rouge | a red sweater | |
| une voiture rouge | a red car | |
| des chaussures noires | black shoes | |
| une robe blanche | a white dress | |
| des yeux verts | green eyes | |
| des chaussures orange | orange shoes | No s — orange is invariable |
Tips to memorize this list faster
- Colors come AFTER the noun in French: une voiture rouge (not une rouge voiture).
- Orange, marron, and rose-from-flowers stay invariable. Memorize that short list.
- Add 'clair' or 'foncé' and the color stops agreeing — useful escape hatch.