Bil Shami
A Fun Guide to Syrian Color Names You’ll Hear in Damascus
Ever heard someone in Damascus ask for a “zirconi red” shirt or a “samawi” bag and wondered what they meant? In Syria, colors have their own vocabulary. Instead of simply saying “purple” or “green,” people often describe colors using fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, metals, and even food. It’s one of those little details that makes the Syrian dialect so fun. Here are some of the most common Syrian color names you’ll hear around Damascus.
Colors Inspired by Food
Syrians love comparing colors to the things they eat!
- Mkhalali – A pinkish purple inspired by pickled turnips.
- Betenjani – Eggplant purple.
- Mishmishi – Apricot orange.
- Khamlet El Duraq – A soft peachy pink.
- Tuffahi – A warm apple-inspired orange.
- Fustoqi – Pistachio green.
- Kamouni – A golden beige, like cumin.
- Asali – Honey brown.
- Amar El Din – A rich golden orange inspired by the famous apricot fruit leather.
- Mawzi – Banana yellow.
- Laymouni – Bright lemon yellow.
- Nbiti – A deep wine red.
- Battikhi – Watermelon pink.
- Habet Roman – Pomegranate red.
Colors From Nature
Nature is another big source of inspiration.
- Samawi – Sky blue.
- Nili – Indigo blue.
- Dokhani – Smoky grey.
- Fahmi – Charcoal black.
- Hashishi – Grass green.
- Khodairi – Classic green.
- Zayti – Olive green with brown tones.
- Zaytouni – Olive green.
- Zahret El Atreh – A light purple inspired by scented geranium flowers.
- Afani – A pale yellowish green, like old leaves.
- Jawzi – Walnut brown.
Colors Related to Hair and Skin
Some color names are also used to describe hair, eyes, and skin.
- Henti – Wheat-colored skin.
- Kharnoubi – A reddish-brown, often used for hair.
- Shehel – Eye color that’s somewhere between hazel, green, and light brown.
Colors Inspired by Metals and Stones
You’ll also hear colors named after precious stones and metals.
- Almasi – Diamond silver.
- Zirconi – A rich crimson red inspired by zircon.
- Rssasi – Lead grey.
- Hadidi – Iron grey.
- Zanjari – A blue-green shade inspired by the patina that forms on copper.
Other Popular Syrian Color Names
Some names are unique to the Syrian dialect.
- Sakani – Dark grey.
- Saklama – A pinkish purple inspired by the cyclamen flower.
- Fushi – Bright fuchsia.
- Frezi – A pink-purple shade similar to the freesia flower.
- Petroli – A mix of blue and green, closer to blue.
- Janziri – Similar to petrol, but with more green.
- Turquoise – Light blue-green.
- Basali – A soft pinkish beige inspired by onion skin.
- Hatabi – Wood brown.
- Qarmidi – Brick red.
- Brick – Another brick-inspired reddish brown.
More Than Just Colors
In Damascus, colors are more than just shades. They’re inspired by everyday life, from the food on the table to the flowers in the garden and the streets people grew up in. So next time someone asks for a samawi, fustoqi, or zirconi shirt, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about!
