Meanings of 色
By ear
Play it, then pick what 色 means.
About 色
Podcast: 色
Podcast: 色
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 色
颜色 (yánsè) vs 色彩 (sècǎi) — use 色 (sè) for general references to color, while 颜色 (yánsè) emphasizes the specific hue and 色彩 (sècǎi) focuses on the artistic or aesthetic aspects of color.
Learners often confuse 色 with other characters related to appearance, such as 颜 (yán) for 'face.' In informal contexts, 色 can also imply sexuality, so be cautious with its usage in mixed company. Common collocations include 色彩 (sècǎi, 'colorful') and 色调 (sèdiào, 'shade').
While 色 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects well with related vocabulary like 彩 (cǎi, 'color') and 颜 (yán, 'color/face'). Focus on using it in phrases to describe objects and emotions to enhance your vocabulary.
Learners may incorrectly use 色 to mean 'face' instead of 颜 (yán), as in saying 色的 (sè de) instead of 颜的 (yán de) when describing someone's face. Always ensure you are using the right word based on context.
Pronunciation of 色
Drill the tone of 色 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 色 to You
Let me explain 色 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 色 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 色
Depicts a kneeling person (卩) being held down by a knife (刀). Based on the original meaning "restrain", now written as 抑. The current meaning "color" is a phonetic loan.
What a person ⺈ desires 巴
Origin
What kind of character is 色?
Decomposition of 色
Parts
Which of these is part of 色?
How to say color in Chinese
“color” in Chinese is色
The character 色 (sè) primarily means 'color' and is used to describe hues, shades, and appearances. It can also refer to aspects of beauty and physical appearance, as well as having a connotation related to sex or gender in certain contexts.
When to use 色
Learners often confuse 色 with other characters related to appearance, such as 颜 (yán) for 'face.' In informal contexts, 色 can also imply sexuality, so be cautious with its usage in mixed company. Common collocations include 色彩 (sècǎi, 'colorful') and 色调 (sèdiào, 'shade').
色 or something close to it
颜色 (yánsè) vs 色彩 (sècǎi) — use 色 (sè) for general references to color, while 颜色 (yánsè) emphasizes the specific hue and 色彩 (sècǎi) focuses on the artistic or aesthetic aspects of color.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 色 to mean 'face' instead of 颜 (yán), as in saying 色的 (sè de) instead of 颜的 (yán de) when describing someone's face. Always ensure you are using the right word based on context.
Write 色
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 色 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 色
色 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我要红____的。
I want the red one.
Example Sentences for 色 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 色?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 色
Characters with 色
What does 绝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 色
色 (sè) means 'color' in a general sense, while 颜色 (yánsè) specifically refers to 'color' as a noun, often used to describe shades more formally.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 色?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.