Definitions

cǎi (noun) color; bright color
cǎi (noun) variety; diversity
cǎi (verb,noun) applaud; applause
cǎi (noun) lottery prize

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 彩 is structured with the component 采, which carries connotations of picking or selecting, combined with 彡, a signific that represents decorative streaks or colors. Etymologically, it originated as a semantic extension of 采, specialized to denote colored adornments or patterns, particularly in reference to decorated silk. Over time, its meaning shifted from specifying tangible colors and ornamental designs to encompassing abstract notions of brilliance, variety, and distinction, such as in literary or artistic excellence.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢色图画。

Wǒ xǐhuān cǎisè túhuà.

I like colorful pictures.

雨后天空出现虹。

Yǔ hòu tiānkōng chūxiàn cǎihóng.

A rainbow appears in the sky after rain.

这部电影非常精

Zhè bù diànyǐng fēicháng jīngcǎi.

This movie is very wonderful.

傍晚的霞很美。

Bàngwǎn de cǎixiá hěn měi.

The rosy clouds at dusk are very beautiful.

我们买了一台新电。

Wǒmen mǎi le yī tái xīn cǎidiàn.

We bought a new color TV.

明天下午有戏剧排。

Míngtiān xiàwǔ yǒu xìjù cǎipái.

There is a drama dress rehearsal tomorrow afternoon.

他买票中了大奖。

Tā mǎi cǎipiào zhòng le dàjiǎng.

He won a big prize by buying a lottery ticket.

这幅画的色搭配很协调。

Zhè fú huà de sècǎi dāpèi hěn xiétiáo.

The color matching in this painting is very harmonious.