群青(ぐんじょう)

ぐんじょう
noun
ultramarine blue; deep blue
color
1. ultramarine blue, deep vivid blue
A deep, vivid blue color traditionally derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. Widely used in Japanese art, particularly in nihonga (Japanese-style painting). Also used more broadly to describe a rich, deep blue in everyday language.
群青(ぐんじょう)色(いろ)の空(そら)が広(ひろ)がっていた。
A deep blue sky stretched out above.
夕暮(ゆうぐ)れの海(うみ)が群青(ぐんじょう)に染(そ)まっていく。
The sea at dusk is being dyed in ultramarine blue.
この日本画(にほんが)には群青(ぐんじょう)と金箔(きんぱく)がふんだんに使(つか)われており、豪華(ごうか)な印象(いんしょう)を与(あた)える。
This Japanese-style painting uses ultramarine blue and gold leaf abundantly, giving a luxurious impression.

Usage

Often used in compound form 群青(ぐんじょう)色(いろ) to explicitly mean "ultramarine color." A culturally significant pigment in traditional Japanese painting (日本画(にほんが)), where it is one of the most prized mineral pigments. Also commonly encountered as an evocative color word in literature and song lyrics.
The Yoasobi song "群青(ぐんじょう)" (2020) made this word widely known among younger generations.

Common collocations

Related Words

Related: 紺(こん) (navy blue, dark blue)
general
Added 2026.2.28 8:08 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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