Colors

1. 红色

   Hóngsè

   Red

   Grammar Note

   The most auspicious color in Chinese culture. Essential for celebrations, Spring Festival, and weddings. Symbolizes prosperity and good luck

2. 橙色

   Chéngsè

   Orange

   Grammar Note

   Named after the 橙 (chéng) orange fruit. "橙色" literally means "the color of orange fruit"

3. 黄色

   Huángsè

   Yellow

   Grammar Note

   In ancient China, yellow was the imperial color. Used for palace roof tiles and emperor's robes. Still evokes dignity and authority

4. 绿色

   Lǜsè

   Green

   Grammar Note

   "绿色" symbolizes vitality, nature, and environmental protection. "绿色食品" is the modern term for eco-friendly organic food

5. 深蓝色

   Shēnlánsè

   Dark blue / Navy

   Grammar Note

   "深 (shēn)" means deep/dark, "蓝 (lán)" means blue/indigo. "深蓝" = deep indigo, equivalent to navy

6. 天蓝色

   Tiānlánsè

   Sky blue

   Grammar Note

   "天 (tiān)" means sky/heaven. "天蓝" describes the blue of the sky and corresponds to sky blue

7. 紫色

   Zǐsè

   Purple

   Grammar Note

   Historically a noble color in China too. The "紫" in "紫禁城 (Forbidden City)" refers to this color, symbolizing the sacred imperial residence

8. 粉红色

   Fěnhóngsè

   Pink

   Grammar Note

   "粉 (fěn)" means powder/pale, "红 (hóng)" means red. Literally "pale red", describing pink

9. 棕色

   Zōngsè

   Brown

   Grammar Note

   "棕" derives from the color of palm tree (棕榈树) leaves. "咖啡色 (kāfēisè)" meaning "coffee color" is also commonly used

10. 白色

    Báisè

    White

    Grammar Note

    In traditional Chinese culture, white represents mourning, death, and grief. White clothes are worn at funerals. Today it also means cleanliness

11. 黑色

    Hēisè

    Black

    Grammar Note

    In China, black can symbolize solemnity, dignity, and power. "黑心 (hēixīn)" (black heart) is an idiom meaning "malicious"

12. 灰色

    Huīsè

    Gray

    Grammar Note

    "灰 (huī)" means ash or cinders. "灰色地带 (huīsè dìdài)" is a Chinese idiom meaning "gray zone" or ambiguous area

13. 蓝色

    Lánsè

    Blue

    Grammar Note

    "蓝 (lán)" is the basic colour term for blue. Deep blue is "深蓝色" and sky blue is "天蓝色", each on its own card

Browse all TravelPhrases languages