Meaning
颜色 is the standard Mandarin word for 'color'. It refers to the visual property of objects resulting from light reflection, such as red, blue, green, etc. In extended usage, it can also refer to a person's facial complexion or expression, though this usage is less common in modern speech.
Usage
This is an everyday word used whenever discussing colors of objects, clothing, paint, design, etc. Native speakers use it in both casual and formal contexts. When asking about color, the pattern '什么颜色' (what color) is extremely common. In markets or stores, you'll often hear '有什么颜色?' (What colors do you have?).
Examples
- 01你喜欢什么颜色？?What color do you like?
- 02这件衣服有别的颜色吗？?Does this clothing item come in other colors?
Characters
Measure words
- 种三种颜色
- 个这个颜色
Common collocations
- 什么颜色what color
- 各种颜色various colors
- 颜色鲜艳bright/vivid color
- 换个颜色change to a different color
Origin
Both characters originally related to appearance and facial features. 颜 depicted a face between decorative elements, while 色 showed a person kneeling above another, suggesting intimate appearance. Together they formed the compound meaning for visual chromatic properties.