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colorín

bright color

noun koh-loh-REEN Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Colors

Also means

goldfinch

Usage Note

Colorín has two main uses: as a noun for a vivid, gaudy color (los colorines del mercado = the bright colors of the market) and as a colloquial name for the European goldfinch (jilguero in standard usage). The fairy-tale closing formula colorín colorado, este cuento se ha acabado ('and they all lived happily ever after') is the most iconic use, making colorín instantly recognizable to Spanish-speaking children.

Examples

"Colorín colorado, este cuento se ha acabado."

Natural Translation

And they all lived happily ever after.

Literal Translation

Bright-color red, this story has ended.

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