Discover the Names of Colors in Mandarin Chinese

Find essential colours in Mandarin with English, pinyin, and Chinese characters. Master pronunciation and cultural meanings for daily conversations.
Discover the Names of Colors in Mandarin Chinese

Are you interested in how to say colours in Mandarin Chinese? Learning colour words helps you shop and travel. It also aids in conversations with people who speak Chinese. Many individuals utilize various methods to learn languages to improve their Mandarin skills. You can expand your vocabulary for daily life and work opportunities. Chinese characters may seem challenging, but starting with colours makes it easier. Coachers.org offers online lessons, allowing you to learn from anywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Knowing color names in Mandarin helps you shop, travel, and talk better.

  • Use pinyin to say words right. Tones change the meaning.

  • Try study tricks like repeating words and using memory aids to learn colors.

  • Learning what colors mean in Chinese culture helps you show respect.

  • Coachers.org has online lessons with skilled teachers to help you get better at Mandarin.

Colors in Mandarin Chinese

Colors in Mandarin Chinese
Image Source: pexels

Learning the names of colors in Mandarin Chinese helps you describe the world around you. You can use these words when you shop, travel, or talk with friends. Knowing how to say colors in Chinese also helps you understand Chinese culture better. Many people start with colors because they are easy to remember and use every day.

Names of Colors Table

You will find the most common colors in Mandarin in the table below. Each row shows the English name, the pinyin (how to say it), and the Chinese characters. This table helps you connect the sound, the look, and the meaning of each color.

English

Pinyin

Chinese Characters

Black

hēisè

黑色

White

báisè

白色

Red

hóngsè

红色

Blue

lánsè

蓝色

Green

lǜsè

绿色

Yellow

huángsè

黄色

Orange

chéngsè

橙色

Purple

zǐsè

紫色

Pink

fěnhóngsè

粉红色

Brown

zōngsè

棕色

Grey

huīsè

灰色

Gold

jīnsè

金色

Silver

yínsè

银色

You can see that many color names in Mandarin end with "色" (sè), which means "color." For example, 红色 means red, and 蓝色 means blue. When you learn these words, you can talk about your favorite colors, describe clothes, or ask for items in a store.

Pronunciation Guide

Pinyin helps you say each color word correctly. Each tone in Mandarin changes the meaning of a word. For example, hóngsè (红色) means red, but changing the tone changes the word. You need to pay attention to the tones when you practice colors in Mandarin.

Here are some tips to help you pronounce the names of colors:

  • Say "hēisè" for black. The first part, "hēi," uses the first tone, which sounds high and steady.

  • Say "báisè" for white. The "bái" uses the second tone, which rises like you are asking a question.

  • Say "hóngsè" for red. The "hóng" uses the second tone, which also rises.

  • Say "lánsè" for blue. The "lán" uses the second tone.

  • Say "lǜsè" for green. The "lǜ" uses the fourth tone, which falls sharply.

  • Say "huángsè" for yellow. The "huáng" uses the second tone.

  • Say "zǐsè" for purple. The "zǐ" uses the third tone, which dips down and then up.

Tip: Color coding the pinyin for each character can help you remember the tones. For example, you can use different colors for each tone when you write the words. This makes it easier to remember how to say each color.

Many learners find it hard to remember all the colors in Mandarin at first. You can make it easier by using these study techniques:

  • Use spaced repetition. Review the color words often, but leave time between each review. Apps like Anki or Quizlet can help you do this.

  • Try mnemonics. Make up a story or picture in your mind for each color. For example, imagine a red apple for 红色.

  • Practice active recall. Test yourself with flashcards. Cover the English word and try to remember the Mandarin word.

  • Use visual learning tools. Apps like Pleco and Skritter show you how to write each character and help you remember the stroke order.

You can also make learning fun:

  • Play games that use colors in Mandarin.

  • Watch Chinese cartoons or shows with subtitles. Listen for color words and try to spot them in the subtitles.

  • Practice with friends or family. Ask each other to name objects by their color in Mandarin.

Coachers.org offers interactive tools to help you practice pronunciation and vocabulary online. You can join live sessions, use digital flashcards, and get feedback from expert coaches. These tools help you remember the names of colors and use them in real conversations. You can also practice writing the characters for 颜色, which means "color" in Mandarin.

Learning colors in Mandarin Chinese gives you a strong start. You will use these words every day, and they will help you build your vocabulary for more advanced topics.

Using Colors in Chinese Sentences

Basic Colors in Chinese

You use colors in chinese every day to describe objects, clothing, and even feelings. Mandarin Chinese recognizes eleven basic color words. These words have deep roots in history and culture. You see them in many conversations and written texts.

Here is a chart that shows the basic colors in chinese and their typical terms. You can also see some synonyms that appear in literature or daily speech.

Bar chart showing basic color terms recognized in Mandarin Chinese and their typical Mandarin terms

Basic Color Term

Typical Mandarin Term

Synonyms

Black

Hei

Xuan

White

Bai

Red

Hong

Chi, Zhu, Dan, Xie

Green

Lu

Cai, Cui

Blue

Lan

Yellow

Huang

Jin

Brown

He, Zong

Tu

Orange

Cheng

Ju

Pink

Ying, Tao

Purple

Zi

Gray

Hui

You can use these basic color words to talk about many things. For example, you might say "红色" (hóng sè) for red or "蓝色" (lán sè) for blue. These words help you describe the world around you.

Everyday Examples

You use colors in chinese to talk about food, clothes, cars, and more. Here are some of the most common color words you will hear:

  • 红色 (hóng sè) — Red

  • 橙色 (chéng sè) — Orange

  • 黄色 (huáng sè) — Yellow

  • 绿色 (lǜ sè) — Green

  • 蓝色 (lán sè) — Blue

  • 紫色 (zǐ sè) — Purple

  • 白色 (bái sè) — White

  • 黑色 (hēi sè) — Black

  • 灰色 (hūi sè) — Gray

  • 棕色 (zōng sè) — Brown

You can use these words in simple sentences. Here are some examples for both daily life and business settings:

Mandarin Sentence

English Translation

这是红色的苹果。(Zhè shì hóngsè de píngguǒ.)

This is a red apple.

我喜欢蓝色的天空。(Wǒ xǐhuān lánsè de tiānkōng.)

I like the blue sky.

她穿着绿色的裙子。(Tā chuānzhe lǜsè de qúnzi.)

She is wearing a green dress.

那辆车是黄色的。(Nà liàng chē shì huángsè de.)

That car is yellow.

桌子是黑色的。(Zhuōzi shì hēisè de.)

The table is black.

这本书是红色的。(Zhè běn shū shì hóng sè de.)

This book is red.

我最喜欢的颜色是蓝色。(Wǒ zuì xǐ huān de yán sè shì lán sè.)

My favorite color is blue.

You can use these sentences to talk about your favorite things or describe items at work. Coachers.org helps you practice these sentences with expert coaches. You get feedback and learn how to use color words in real conversations.

Tip: Try using color words when you describe objects around you. This helps you remember the words and use them naturally.

You also find colors in chinese in idioms. For example, "五颜六色" (wǔ yán liù sè) means "many colors" and describes something very colorful.

Colours in Mandarin and Culture

Colours in Mandarin and Culture
Image Source: unsplash

Symbolism and Fun Facts

You will notice that colours in mandarin carry deep meanings. Red stands out as the most important color in Chinese culture. People see red as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and vitality. You will find red everywhere during the Spring Festival. Families hang red decorations to bring good luck and keep away evil spirits. At a wedding, red plays a big role. Brides wear red dresses, and families decorate with red to wish the couple happiness. In a chinese traditional wedding, red envelopes filled with money bring good luck to the new couple.

Red has a long history in China. In ancient times, people linked red to life and fire. Later, red became the color of emperors and power. Today, you still see red as a sign of joy and celebration.

White means something very different. In Chinese culture, white is the symbol of death and mourning. People wear white clothes at a funeral to show respect and purity. You should not wear white to a wedding or a happy event.

Yellow also has special meaning. In the past, only emperors could wear yellow. This color stands for royalty and honor.

Pink is popular in modern China. You see pink at weddings and in gifts for children. Pink shows sweetness and love.

Black is less common for celebrations. People use black for serious or formal events.

Understanding the meanings of colours in mandarin helps you avoid mistakes and show respect in social situations.

Cultural Expressions

Chinese language uses many idioms with color words. These sayings add color and meaning to daily speech. Here are some examples:

Idiom

Pinyin

Meaning

五颜六色

wǔyánliùsè

Very colorful; describes something with many colors.

红红火火

hónɡhónɡ huǒhuǒ

Good luck, wealth, and happiness; shows energy and success.

You will hear these phrases during festivals and weddings. For example, people wish for a 红红火火 (hónghóng huǒhuǒ) life, hoping for good luck and joy.

In Mandarin, colors often mean more than just what you see. Red brings good luck, while white signals mourning. This is different from Western cultures, where white often means purity or weddings. Knowing these differences helps you understand Chinese customs better.

Coachers.org can guide you through these cultural details. Expert coaches help you learn not just the words, but also the stories and traditions behind them. You will feel more confident using colours in mandarin in real life.

Learn Colors with Coachers.org

Flexible Online Learning

You can study Mandarin Chinese colors from anywhere with Coachers.org. The platform lets you pick your own study times. You do not have to worry about time zones or busy schedules. Learning color words is fun and simple with interactive lessons. Native speakers teach you, so you hear real Mandarin and learn the right way to say words.

Interactive tools help you remember color words better. You use games, videos, quizzes, and exercises to practice. These tools also help you learn sentence structure and how to write characters. AI-powered tools change lessons to fit how you learn best. You can study color words for talking with friends or for work.

  • You can pick your own study times.

  • Fun and hands-on lessons help you learn quickly.

  • Native speakers show you how to use the language in real life.

Personalized and Group Sessions

Coachers.org has both one-on-one and group lessons. You can pick the way you like to learn. One-on-one lessons match your learning style and goals. Group lessons let you learn with friends or coworkers. This makes learning more fun and social. Expert coaches with high degrees teach every lesson, so you get great teaching.

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You can pick a plan that works for you. Kids Flex costs $69 each month. Business Unlimited Plus has custom prices. You get as many one-on-one lessons as you want, which helps you learn faster and remember more. Studies show that students who use these lessons do better and feel more sure when speaking Mandarin.

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  4. Apply to the ICF.

  5. Take the Coach Knowledge Assessment.

You get expert coaches, flexible plans, and fun tools. You can build your skills in both daily and business Chinese, all from your own home.

Learning color names in Mandarin Chinese helps you talk to people. It also helps you learn about Chinese culture. You get more than new words:

  • You find out what colors mean in Chinese life.

  • You notice how colors are part of traditions and daily habits.

  • You see how Chinese people view beauty and what they value.

Coachers.org has expert teachers and lets you learn online anytime. You can begin learning Mandarin wherever you are. Start learning today!

FAQ

How do you remember color words in Mandarin?

You can use flashcards, games, and songs. Practice saying the words out loud. Try to use color words when you talk about things around you. Repetition helps you remember better.

Why do some colors have special meanings in Chinese culture?

Colors like red and yellow have deep roots in Chinese history. Red means luck and happiness. Yellow stands for royalty. You show respect when you use these colors the right way.

Can you learn to pronounce Mandarin colors without a teacher?

You can start with apps and videos. Listen to native speakers and repeat after them. For best results, practice with a real teacher. Coachers.org offers live sessions with expert coaches.

What makes Coachers.org different from other online learning platforms?

You get unlimited lessons, flexible schedules, and expert coaches. You can choose private or group sessions. Coachers.org helps you learn both daily and business Chinese from anywhere in the world.

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