彩

cǎi

彡 + 采

Definitions

cǎi (noun) color; bright color

cǎi (noun) variety; diversity

cǎi (verb,noun) applaud; applause

cǎi (noun) lottery prize

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 彡 represents the meaning and 采 represents the sound.

Semantic: 彡 Phonetic: 采

About

彩 is a phono-semantic compound: 采 (cǎi) provides the sound and means 'to pluck or gather,' while the radical 彡 (shān) contributes the meaning, associated with decorative patterns, hair, or visually striking lines. The character primarily denotes vivid colors and intricate, multicolored designs. Figuratively, it extends to variety, brilliance, or spectacular display in events, and can refer to applause and cheers for a fine performance, or to a prize and lottery winnings as symbols of celebration and good fortune.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢彩色图画。

Wǒ xǐhuān cǎisè túhuà.

I like colorful pictures.

雨后天空出现彩虹。

Yǔ hòu tiānkōng chūxiàn cǎihóng.

A rainbow appears in the sky after rain.

这部电影非常精彩。

Zhè bù diànyǐng fēicháng jīngcǎi.

This movie is very wonderful.

傍晚的彩霞很美。

Bàngwǎn de cǎixiá hěn měi.

The rosy clouds at dusk are very beautiful.

我们买了一台新彩电。

Wǒmen mǎi le yī tái xīn cǎidiàn.

We bought a new color TV.

明天下午有戏剧彩排。

Míngtiān xiàwǔ yǒu xìjù cǎipái.

There is a drama dress rehearsal tomorrow afternoon.

他买彩票中了大奖。

Tā mǎi cǎipiào zhòng le dàjiǎng.

He won a big prize by buying a lottery ticket.

这幅画的色彩搭配很协调。

Zhè fú huà de sècǎi dāpèi hěn xiétiáo.

The color matching in this painting is very harmonious.

Related Characters

Component: 彡

Component: 采

彩