About
The traditional character 顏 is composed of the semantic component 頁, denoting the head, combined with 彥, which historically functioned as a phonetic element. Its earliest core meaning was specifically the forehead or the space between the eyebrows, a sense that later broadened to encompass the entire face. From this concrete physical reference, its meaning extended abstractly to signify a person's countenance, expression, or outward appearance. In literary and classical contexts, the character also acquired the meaning of color or hue, likely derived from the concept of complexion. The simplified form 颜 retains the same 頁 component while streamlining the left-side phonetic element to 彦.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个颜色真好看。
她的容颜很美。
他露出了笑颜。
这关系到我的颜面。
天空的颜色是蓝色的。
我喜欢用颜料画画。
他不顾颜面地大声争吵。
这种颜料的颜色非常持久，而且环保。