cian (Spanish)
Where does "cian" come from?
The Spanish adjective 'cian' was borrowed from the English word 'cyan'[1]. The English term originates as a learned borrowing from Ancient Greek 'κύανος' meaning 'dark blue' or lapis lazuli[2], which traces back further through ancient Mediterranean trade and languages like Hittite[4].
Open questions
- The ultimate origin of the ancient term from Hittite or Sumerian roots remains uncertain. [2] [4]
Full etymology tree
- cian (Spanish), 'cyan'
- borrowed cyan (English), 'An additive secondary colour midway between green and blue, evoked by wavelengths between ~490 and ~520 nm.'
- learned borrowing κύανος (kúanos) (Ancient Greek), 'dark blue enamel, especially used to adorn armour'
- borrowed kuwannan- (Hittite)
- borrowed 𒆬𒆪 (ku₃-an) (Sumerian)
- borrowed kuwannan- (Hittite)
- learned borrowing κύανος (kúanos) (Ancient Greek), 'dark blue enamel, especially used to adorn armour'
- borrowed cyan (English), 'An additive secondary colour midway between green and blue, evoked by wavelengths between ~490 and ~520 nm.'
Ancestors
- cyan (English)
- κυάνεος (Ancient Greek)
Sources
- cian (Spanish) - Wiktionary
- cyan (English) - Wiktionary
- κυάνεος (Ancient Greek) - Wiktionary
- κύανος (kúanos) (Ancient Greek) - Wiktionary
Updated October 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris