How to say "grey" in Japanese

• グレーJLPT N1approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe straightforward name of the colour grey, the neutral shade between black and white; the natural choice when simply stating the colour of clothes, cars, walls and the like.
  私の事務所じむしょはあのグレーの６階かい建だてのビルの４階かいだ。↗

  My office is on the fourth floor of that gray six-story building.
• 灰色はいいろJLPT N2approx.Common
  no-adjectiveGrey with an ashen tinge, literally 'ash colour'; typical of ash, overcast skies or drab weather, and it can carry a dull, gloomy nuance beyond the colour itself.
  私の父ちちは青あおと灰色はいいろのネクタイを持もっている。↗

  My father has a blue and gray tie.

Both words name the colour grey; 「グレー」 is the plain borrowed colour term, while 灰色, literally 'ash colour', fits grey shades with an ashen or dull, gloomy feel, as of overcast skies.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• グレーgrey
• 灰色はいいろgrey
• 灰白かいはくgray
• 霜を置いたしもをおいたgray
• 青いあおいpale (facial color)