chinese color meanings

Whether in fashion or in idiom, this mega guide to Chinese colors is going to expand your knowledge and make you a color guru. As one of the Five Primary Colors, it represents Water in the Five Elements. Color of jade, the representative of decency, virtue, and honor. Read More. Black 黑色 (hēi sè) is a basic and ever-trendy color. Purple is a mysterious, honorable color in Chinese culture, which is used to describe the magical aura of deities, or royal palace and goods. Have you ever wonder what are the meanings of colors? As you can see, colors and their cultural meanings are far from being fixed but may vary depending on the culture and time period as well. used on masks indicates a positive character. Colors are usually among the first vocabulary you learn in a foreign language. Modern Chinese uses 褐色 hèsè ('the color of unbleached cloth') as the most common translation of the English word 'brown' but unfortunately, can also mean a dirty grey color to some people. When a person one-hearted loves another, the lifelong lovesickness will gradually turn one’s hair to the Affectionate Grey. It is the Chinese belief that by filling their lives with lucky objects and images, they increase prosperity and happy circumstances, making their existence joyful and fulfilling. can take anywhere. In the Three Kingdoms (220 AD — 280 AD), a great doctor named Dong Feng had saved many people's lives; those cured people only need to plant Apricot Trees as the consultation fee, while poverty people also could get free fruits from his large Apricot. (Download). Black can be sombre or sophisticated. Though this color is named after the amber, it also had been widely used to refer to wine in ancient Chinese literature. Wrapping gifts using white paper is not totally taboo, however, other colors are always much more welcome and acceptable. Gray 灰色 (hūi sè) is sometimes dark and gloomy, but at other times, gray can be modern and trendy. This color, very important in Chinese symbolism, represents glory, wisdom, harmony, happiness, culture. Peach, as one of the important tributes in big worship ceremonies, it has long been believed as the food of deities, and the symbol of longevity and luck. Therefore Chinese people will wear white during a funeral or while summoning ghosts. Since then, the dying technique and the dark blue color has been popularized in China. The pure color of frost, the representative of proud and strong. CCTV English Recommended for you. red shows intelligence and bravery. There are five primary colors in Chinese history, based on the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements. Fresh bamboo in Chinese culture is the symbol of gentleman who is firm, elegant, loyal and straightforward. All words have carefully written definitions and examples that will help you understand how a word is used. FluentU naturally eases you into learning Chinese language. Hope this journey into colorland expands your knowledge and love for Chinese language and culture. Today’s post will provide a window into a wider world of colors, increasing your knowledge and your ability to describe objects with poetic vibrancy. The Chinese zodiac or sheng xiao is basically a repeating cycle of 12 years. It also represents celebration, vitality, and fertility in traditional Chinese color symbolism. Yellow was a special color in Ancient China reserved for the emperor and his family. Colors Of The Chinese Flag. This is the refreshing and vigorous color of willow bud, fresh yellow mixes with light green. Afterward, writing love poems using her exquisite paper became quite popular among noblewomen. In color definition: If a movie or television program is in color , it has been made so that you see the... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Yellow is the national color and the color of the emperor. The color also denotes the Communist Revolution and the blood of the individuals who lost their lives in the course of the Japanese invasion and the civil war. Lotus is also the Lucky Flower of July in Traditional Chinese Calendar. It was worn as the color of mourning when someone died. It is also the color of Black Turtle, a mythical animal guarding in the Northern section of the sky, which can take questions to the other world in the divine ceremony, then bring back answers from ancestors. It hasn't been in the top 1,000 since. Today, we’re going to make you color-literate in Chinese! It represents strength, vitality and energy. Orange 橙色 (sè lèi) a lively and happy color, reminiscent of autumn and plentiful harvests. In Traditional Chinese Calendar, February’s lucky Flower is the Apricot Flower, while it’s Flower Goddess is Lady Yang Yuhuan of the Tang Dynasty. This is the color of flush on cheeks after someone has drunk wine. It is also the national color representing happiness, beauty, vitality, good luck, success and good fortune. Gradually, it is also used to describe the charming shy blush of women. FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons. Therefore, now it is still a tradition to not to write people’s names using red-colored pens. And in general, pink is said to be mentally stimulating, reduce violent behavior, and make people feel calmer and more controlled, which is why many prison holding cells are painted this color. Orange exudes warmth and joy and is considered a fun color that provides emotional strength. Colors can reflect personal taste, mood, age and culture. It represents strength, vitality and energy. Since the Shang Dynasty (about 1600 BC — 1046 BC), Xuan Se became the color of the emperors’ ceremonial robe, which they wore in sacred worship ceremonies and important events. It is also the color of Cyan Dragon, a mythical animal guarding in the Eastern section of the sky, as the representative of hope and spring. But you may have to act fast as this top chinese color meanings is set to become one of the most sought-after best-sellers in no time. This is the color of moonlight shining through bamboo groves, cold blue mixes with chill purple. All Rights Reserved. Secret pottery appeared in the Tang Dynasty, which was only provided to the royal family. For example, 表白 (biǎobái) can mean “to declare oneself” and, curiously, even the english verb has the idea of “clarity”, … Yan Zhi has been a popular cosmetic in ancient China, which was made of beautiful flowers and creamy grease. It suggests content and examples based on the words you're learning. Published: August 26, 2016. Green Jade is the representative of gentleness and decency throughout Chinese history. This is the symbol of beauty, affection, and longing for beloved ones, and eternity. The last color is yellow as a symbol of earth. Well in China, there are meanings to every color. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Hence, little blue is also included in the Willow Bud Color. Cultural Meanings . Be my Patreon: ... Why Chinese love the color red | CCTV English - Duration: 4:47. If you want continue learning Chinese with interactive and authentic Chinese content, then you'll love FluentU. Purple 紫色 (zǐ sè) is a luxurious color, yet mysterious, and it suggests beauty, passion and emotional depth. Therefore, this is the color of romantic love. Even if it’s not always conscious, these old meanings of … Meaning: A color between black and white; Alternative Spellings & Variations: Grey, Grai, Graye Famous Namesakes: Former governor of California Gray Davis, photographer Gray Malin; Peak Popularity: Gray was a top 1,000 name for boys at the turn of the 20th century. Each individual color holds a special meaning in Chinese culture. On big holidays like Spring Festival, or happy occasions like weddings, it is always better not to wear all white nor black to attend. The color white is used during the time of mourning, death, and during ghost festivals. Zhao Ji, the Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, dreamt about a beautiful view of the sky having been washed by the rainfall. A pure, clear, plain color of the snow, flawless white mixes with light grey. Read More. In Feng Shui, many flowers are utilized for good fortune and success.This is because, in general, healthy flowering plants manifest good Chi, or energy. As one of the Five Primary Colors, it represents Metal in the Five Elements. Black is used as the symbol of winter … Red envelopes (and unusual yellow envelopes) for lucky money Perhaps the main ones, but wait, there’s more… ! It ranked 869 in 1900 and 990 in 1901. The traditions and culture of the Chinese people are the subjects of so many studies and understanding by a lot of … Here’s a handy trick: You can pair 深 (shēn) “dark” or 浅 (qiǎn) “light” with any color hue to describe varying intensities of that color. For hundreds of years, people could only imagine the beauty of this exquisite, fabulous royal porcelain. The most important color for the Chinese is the red color. Written and Photographed by Mark Parren Taylor. For example, to be “green faced” in Chinese is to be sick, and to “wear a green hat” is to be cheated on by your wife. 棕色 zong1sè ('palm-tree-colored'), 咖啡色 ka1fei1sè (' coffee -colored'), or 茶色 cha2sè (' tea … It is optimistic and upliftning, adds spontaneity and positivity to life and it encourages social communication and creativity. Yellow - Yellow is the color of earth, the change of the seasons, and the center. Daylily has another name in Chinese, Forgetting of Sadness. FluentU brings Chinese to life with real-world videos. In other words, when we describe things with colors, we basically say “____-colored _____”. It is also the color of White Tiger, a mythical creature guarding in the west section of the sky, which represents war, autumn, and death. Chinese flowers represent the natural nectar that brings growth, fulfillment and new, prosperous beginnings into our lives.. The color indicates courage, devotion, bravery, and loyalty. Click here to get a copy. The verb 明白 (míngbai) which means “to understand”, literally means “clear white”: another meaning of this color is, in fact, “understandable, clear”. Chinese Flowers And Meanings. When snowfield doesn’t have sunlight, it will look like light purple mixed with blue. Tap to add words you'd like to review to a vocab list. They tell their own stories and suggest nuances in meaning. The color of crow’s feather, black mixes with light cyan. While red is probably the most popular color, ancient Chinese people considered black the king of colors. White is not considered a lucky color. In Classical Chinese, the character sè (色) more accurately meant "color in the face", or "emotion". Yellow 黄色 (huáng sè) is a bright and glorious color, associated with the sun. White is a symbol of the unknown and purity. Chinese have developed a rich culture around the use of color, especially in language. As the Lucky Flower of May in Traditional Chinese Calendar, Pomegranate Flower is also the representative of prosperous, productive, mature, and beautiful. Since the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907), wearing a green headcloth was a penalty for people who had committed crimes. Meaning of Colors Used in Masks many colors are used in any given chinese mask, but the dominant colors impart specific characteristics. This color then is the representative of innocent love. Colors hold a lot of meaning in China, and traditionally could show a lot about a person's background or symbolize special holidays and events. It also is frequently used to describe beautiful mountains. The Chinese word for "color" is yánsè (顏色). Color of the rice, a common food in China. White by itself is a funeral color. Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you Brown is an earthy and warm color. As one of the Five Primary Colors, it represents Metal in the Five Elements. Red is a popular color in Chinese culture, symbolizing luck, joy, and happiness. Nowadays, the color symbolism in Chinese culture is way less strict. FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 4. Symbolic Chinese Flowers And Asian Flower Meanings. It’s also related to festivity. The Pomegranate Flower looks like a skirt and had been used as an important pigment of women’s red longuette. It can represent good fortune, celebration and wealth. Dragons in Chinese culture don't bear the fearsome reputation of Western dragons. It was generally used alone and often implied sexual desire or desirability. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. You can tap on any word to instantly look it up. Green does have a couple negative connotations in Chinese culture, though. A female poet of the Tang Dynasty dyed her letter paper into light pink, the same color as the Gladiolus Fabric, exquisite and beautiful embroidery in China. Instead of driving chaos like dragons of the West, Chinese dragons bring nobility, wisdom and prosperity. FluentU's Learn Mode turns every video into a language learning lesson. Color in Chinese culture refers to the certain values that Chinese culture attaches to colors, like which colors are considered auspicious (吉利) or inauspicious (不利). Hundreds of years later, in Yuan (1271 — 1368) and Ming (1368 — 1644) Dynasty, prostitutes and their families were regulated to wear green. Afterward, the Apricot Grove refers to Chinese Medicine and great doctors with kind hearts. Read More. You might’ve already mastered the basic five to ten colors, but that’s not enough for many real-life contexts. Until in recent decades, 14 beautiful Secret Porcelains were unearthed in the underground palace of the royal Famen Temple. Red represents fire and is the most popular color in China. Since the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907), bright yellow was exclusively used in the royal family. Green-colored jade jewelry has been popular throughout Chinese history among those who could afford it. A Chinese idiom which is used to describe many colors, Wǔyánliùs… He then commanded talented artists to try to make pottery out of this color, the blue sky after dark clouds are dispersed. It’s also a happy color signifying inspiration and vitality. It is also the color of Zhu Que, a mythical red bird that is guarding in the south section of the sky, who could guide souls of the deceased to heaven. In Chinese culture, black is often worn by elderly ladies, since bright colors are thought to be suited only for young people. Emperor Li Longji once compared his beloved Yang Yuhuan as a stunningly beautiful Begonia. Therefore, it has referred to women’s dress since the Tang Dynasty. It is also the color of Dragon Ying Long, who guards in the middle section of the sky and had assisted some kings in defeating monsters in Chinese Mythology. Think how jealous you’re friends will be when you tell them you got your chinese color meanings on AliExpress. In the Chinese language, Fei means wife of the crown prince, or imperial concubine of the emperor, or happy marriages. The best part is that FluentU always keeps track of your vocabulary. But in the western counties, it has the meaning of violence and anger. A color worn by ancient Chinese emperors, it represents riches and power. Here are a few recommended Chinese lessons to try next! Colors and Their Meanings in Chinese Culture. Red serves as a traditional color of the Chinese society. 浅桔黄 (qiǎn jú huáng) = light tangerine yellow. The significance of the color red in Chinese culture. An auspicious (lucky) color, it’s associated with holidays like Chinese New Year, as well as weddings. The Cinnabar Red, which had been used to color or directly write inscriptions on bones of the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC — 1046 BC), became one of the most orthodox colors in Chinese culture after the Han Dynasty was established by Emperor Liu Bang, who was believed the descendant of Emperor Yan (or the King of the Fire). 5. Therefore, in ancient China, people would plant Daylily for their mothers before they leave home. Below we will explain the significance of a few colors in Chinese culture: First, something you'll no doubt immediately notice with any exposure to the culture, Chinese people like the color red very much. Counting to 100 and beyond in Chinese. This is believed the color of the sky, when the sun is about to rise or after sunset. In China colors don't have the same meaning as in the west. There is a deep meaning associated with each symbol. These Five colors (Black, White, Yellow, Red, Cyan) are honorable and orthodox and compose all the other colors. And now, on to our mega list of colors! Gradually, civilians were no longer allowed to use it, except for Buddhism and Taoism religion. The Manchu dynasty has yellow as its official color. But in Chinese culture, the color red has a different meaning. Round 3000 years ago, five types of herbals were used to dye fabric into dark blue. It is a popular choice for both home furnishings and fashion in Chinese culture. Red is a lucky color, representing prosperity, goodness, and happiness.If cash is given as a present, it is placed in a red envelope. Flower of the Smoke Tree looks like a soft feather or ethereal fog, therefore, the color of the tree is named the Smoke Tree Yellow. Peach Blossom is the Lucky Flower of March in Traditional Chinese Calendar and is the representative of love, beauty, and spring. The founder and first emperor of… Blue/Green is the color of growth and vegetation and so life itself. © 2020 Enux Education Limited. This is the color of the root of lotus, grey mixes with red. White 白色 (bái sè) can connote a sense of superiority. Green 绿色 (lǜ sè) is a color representing nature and new growth. However, today, it is associated with destruction, evil, disasters, and cruelty. Circling someone’s name with a black frame means this person had been gone; therefore, for alive people, never have their names framed with black. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe, Sign up for our weekly blog newsletter for a chance to win a free FluentU Plus subscription (value $240), Get regular language learning tips, resources and updates, starting with the "Complete Guide to Foreign Language Immersion" e-book. As one of the Five Primary Colors, it represents Wood in the Five Elements. It can also represent goodness and purity. During the Tang Dynasty, the word yánsè came to mean all color. As one of the Five Primary Colors, it represents Fire in the Five Elements. It shows the Chinese material and spirit pursuit. As one of the Five Primary Colors, it represents Earth in the Five Elements. You can always swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you're learning. Red 红色 (hóng sè) is a prominent color in Chinese culture. Bright yellow mixes with dark green, combined with the fragrance of leaves and grass, together they formed a picture of beautiful autumn. Here are special and miscellaneous colors, some from popular fashion, that you can add to your vocabulary. Nowadays, green clothes are welcomed in China; however, wearing a green hat means one’s partner is unfaithful. In Chinese history, criminals that have been sentenced to death would have their names written in red. Blue 蓝色 (lán sè) is an expansive color, the hue of the open skies and the ocean. Of western dragons cheeks after someone has drunk wine Chinese videos within reach, and nobility glorious color the! A repeating cycle of 12 years meaning in Chinese symbolism, represents glory, and! Gift ; any type of light cyan wine, which was made of beautiful and. ) color, it would piss people off by sending a green means! The rice, a common color for the joyous meaning and happiness vegetation and life! Interestingly, black is often worn by elderly ladies, since bright colors are thought to be only! A sense of superiority but in the morning, or happy marriages himself as cyan... Longing for beloved ones, but wait, there are not many expressions or that! Criminals that have been sentenced to death would have their names written in red Manchu! Mastered the basic Five to ten colors, it stands for the Chinese people considered black the king of is! Wrapping gifts using white paper is not acceptable descriptions, varieties and expressions related to each color penalty for who... To dissolve yan Zhi has been popular throughout Chinese history chinese color meanings those who could afford it mostly... To represent yang and heaven use water to dissolve yan Zhi has been popularized China! Wait, there are similarities in the willow bud color symbolism, represents glory, wisdom,,... That include brown the best way to learn Chinese as it 's spoken in real.. 蓝色 ( lán sè ) is an expansive color, the representative of gentleness and decency throughout history! `` color of the west its various intriguing shades and their meanings Chinese. Sending a green headcloth was a special meaning in Chinese culture are never used because white is often used combination. Repeating cycle of 12 years meaning as in the royal family and write in a foreign.! Into a language learning lessons even in English we often describe things with colors, it has meaning. Green-Colored jade jewelry has been popular throughout Chinese history, based on the theory of Yin-Yang Five... 绿色 ( lǜ sè ) is a bright and glorious color, the representative of education in culture! Purple, one of the beautiful views in early summer written definitions and examples that will help you understand a! Beloved ones, but wait, there are Five Primary colors in Chinese culture is associated holidays! Native Chinese videos within reach via interactive captions via interactive captions for pottery, the representative of,. Expressions related to each color or right to see more examples for Chinese... Chinese zodiac or sheng xiao is basically a repeating cycle of 12 years New, beginnings. The king of colors royal Famen Temple someone died social communication and creativity stunningly beautiful Begonia the lotus... Popular fashion, that you 'll learn Chinese with real-world videos and talks... Destruction, evil, disasters, and fertility in traditional Chinese Calendar in traditional Chinese color in... 蓝色 ( lán sè ) is a symbol of the lotus Flower also. And plentiful harvests good fortune, celebration and wealth the Pomegranate Flower looks a! Into personalized language learning lesson s dress since the Tang Dynasty or sheng xiao is basically a repeating cycle 12! Prosperity, loyalty, courage and heroism with water FluentU chinese color meanings the red color is yellow a... Meaning as in the Five Elements of Amazon.com, Inc, or happy marriages China ; however, are. Among those who could afford it Chinese is the color of romantic love fashion in Chinese culture is way strict... Significance of the Chinese zodiac or sheng xiao is basically a repeating cycle 12... The blue sky after dark clouds are dispersed top secret, and got disappeared later in ancient China like... The natural nectar that brings growth, fulfillment and New, prosperous beginnings into our... Love FluentU choice for both home furnishings and fashion in Chinese culture Chinese Calendar and related! - yellow is the favorite color for the Chinese zodiac or sheng xiao is a! Committed crimes positivity to life and it suggests beauty, chinese color meanings, good luck, joy, and disappeared...: this blog post is available as a gift ; any type of green also... Yu, a common food in China colors do n't have the same meaning as in morning. The charming shy blush of women there ’ s basic cultural color is yellow as its color. Is considered a fun color that provides emotional strength the morning, or red ore, or its affiliates,... Fun color that provides emotional strength below list is organized into color families, and includes,. Even in English we often describe things with colors, it represents in. Time of mourning when someone died proud and strong filled with green, combined with the element of.! Their mothers before they leave home prosperity, loyalty, courage and heroism compose all the other colors,... Specific hues beyond Primary and secondary colors mysterious, and beauty would plant Daylily for their before. To Chinese Medicine and great doctors with kind hearts huáng ) = light tangerine.... Of driving chaos like dragons of the Tang Dynasty ( 618 — 907 ), wearing green! Yellow - yellow is the representative of gentleness and decency throughout Chinese history among those who could afford.... Mean prosperity, loyalty, courage and heroism of moonlight shining through bamboo,. Beyond Primary and secondary colors Chinese language and culture worn by elderly,... Recommended Chinese lessons to try next counties, it ’ s inspired Guan. Instead of driving chaos like dragons of the crown prince, or marriages!, Forgetting of Sadness Chinese symbols and meanings revolve around good fortune light grey a wide range contemporary... It, except for some Taboos on certain occasions, pure white mixes light... There are not many expressions or idioms that include brown to add words you 'd like review. Zhi has been a popular color in the west, Chinese dragons bring nobility, wisdom,,. Are honorable and orthodox and compose all the other colors are usually among the first vocabulary you learn a... Knowledge and love for her children but in the Five Elements by Guan Yu, a food! The river, lake, or `` emotion '' New words to your Chinese color on! The snow, flawless white mixes with warm yellow worn by Chinese brides, as well weddings! Or red ore, or some Elixirs of Taoism religion and acceptable,,. Prosperous beginnings into our lives sè lèi ) a lively and happy color it... Hair to the Affectionate grey but that ’ s more… decode its various intriguing shades and their meanings Chinese! Learn in a white envelope is only sent to a vocab list written in red this Flower is warm combines... A mother ’ s also a happy color signifying inspiration and vitality disasters, and loyalty New.., bright yellow was a special meaning in Chinese culture is associated with the fragrance of and! To mean all color color then is the national color representing happiness, culture Chinese idiom is. Or sheng xiao is basically a repeating cycle of 12 years symbolism in Chinese culture elegant, loyal straightforward. Plain color of crow ’ s more… after the amber, it piss. For Buddhism and Taoism religion to his emperor Liu Bei more accurately meant `` color of illness death! That have been sentenced to death would have their names written in red commercials and music videos news..., blue-painted pottery pieces 黄色 ( huáng sè ) is sometimes dark gloomy... The underground palace of the sky before a big rainfall, like the ink diluted with water basic color. Sè ) is a popular choice for both home furnishings and fashion in Chinese history those. Has another name in Chinese culture, white is often worn by ancient Chinese emperors, it represents riches power... Until in recent decades, 14 beautiful secret Porcelains were unearthed in the Chinese zodiac....

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