Why Do So Many Languages Name Colors in the Same Order?

Discover how language evolution and human perception shaped the way we name colors.

Why do most languages name colors in a similar order? This article explores the fascinating theories behind the universal sequence in color naming, based on linguistic, anthropological, and cognitive research.

The Universal Pattern: From Black to Blue

Languages that only have two color terms almost always start with black and white. When a third color is added, it’s typically red. Then come green or yellow, and eventually blue, brown, pink, orange, or gray.
This pattern shows up across dozens of unrelated languages, from Amharic to Māori.

How Visual Perception Shapes Language

Red tends to appear earlier in languages because it’s both perceptually intense and culturally significant, associated with blood, fire, and danger. Blue, however, is harder to identify in nature, which might explain why it’s often one of the last colors to be named.

Blue: The Missing Color in Ancient Texts

Did you know that the color blue doesn’t appear in Homer’s Odyssey? The sea is described as “wine-dark,” and the sky is simply “bright.” Ancient Egyptians were among the first to create synthetic blue pigments—right around the time the word for blue started appearing in their language.
This curious topic is explored in detail in the YouTube video Why so many languages invented the same words for colors in the same order by Veritasium, which inspired this article.

Color isn’t just a part of language, it’s a powerful tool in design and illustration. Want to dive deeper into its creative and symbolic use? Check out these resources:

- Color Theory Courses: Learn to apply color with purpose and harmony.
- Color Basics in Illustration, Free Guide: Downloadable resource.
- 13 Free Color Palette Websites: Great tools for finding harmony and contrast.