Learning about naming colors 顏色(ngaan4 sik1) in Cantonese will open doors to a deeper understanding of their culture. The Chinese culture has certain values attached to colors. Sure, There will be some different opinions in the Cantonese-speaking community. But today, we just have a quick overview about knowing how to say colors in Cantonese with an understanding of its rich history and culture.
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How To Say Colors In Cantonese?
Colors are one of the basic vocabulary we have learned during our formation years. You can see the smiles on our parents’ faces when we were able to identify colors at a young age. When you start to learn Cantonese, this is a great start to master colors! Here is a list of 13 basic colors in Cantonese!
| Meaning | Cantonese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| red | 紅色 | hung4 sik1 |
| black | 黑色 | haak1 sik1 |
| white | 白色 | baak6 sik1 |
| beige | 米色 | mai5 sik1 |
| blue | 藍色 | laam4 sik1 |
| yellow | 黄色 | wong4 sik1 |
| green | 綠色 | luk6 sik1 |
| orange | 橙色 | caang2 sik1 |
| purple | 紫色 | zi2 sik1 |
| brown | 啡色 | fe1 sik1 |
| pink | 粉紅色 | fan2 hung4 sik1 |
| gold | 金色 | gam1 sik1 |
| silver | 銀色 | ngan4 sik1 |
1. 紅色（hung4 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “red” is 紅色（hung4 sik1). Red corresponds with fire and symbolizes good fortune and joy.
2.黑色(haak1 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “black” is 黑色(haak1 sik1). Black corresponds to water and is considered a neutral color.
3. 白色(baak6 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “white” is 白色(baak6 sik1) . It’s often used to describe purity or cleanliness. White symbolizes brightness, purity, and fulfillment.
4.米色(mai5 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “beige” is 米色(mai5 sik1). It often symbolizing simplicity, calmness, and modesty
5. 藍色(laam4 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “blue” is 藍色(laam4 sik1). It is associated with health, prosperity, and harmony.
6.黄色(wong4 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for ” yellow” is 黄色(wong4 sik1). Yellow corresponds with Earth and is considered the most beautiful color. In ancient China, this color represents the royal. You may visit giant Buddha which covered with this prestigious color.
7.綠色(luk6 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for ” green ” is 綠色(luk6 sik1). In Chinese culture, green is a multifaceted color symbolizing growth, renewal, vitality, and harmony with nature. In modern Chinese slang, however, “戴绿帽子” (dài lǜ màozi), or “wearing a green hat,” has come to mean being cheated on by a partner. People would also use it to swear when they got mad.
8.橙色(caang2 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “orange” is 橙色(caang2 sik1). In Chinese culture, orange is a vibrant and positive color symbolizing happiness, vitality, and prosperity. During Lunar New Year, tangerines are commonly exchanged and displayed as symbols of good luck and a wish for success.
9.紫色(zi2 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “purple” is 紫色(zi2 sik1). Purple is a color with deep and sophisticated connotations, often associated with spirituality, nobility, and mystery. It’s often associated with immortality, and temples dedicated to Taoist deities may feature purple decor. The phrase “紫氣東來” (zi2 hei3 dung1 loi4), meaning “purple air coming from the east,” is a reference to good omens and divine energy, believed to herald the presence of immortals or auspicious events.
10.啡色(fe1 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “brown” is 啡色(fe1 sik1). It doesn’t carry strong cultural superstitions or associations in Cantonese culture, its understated symbolism of nature, simplicity, and stability aligns well with traditional values of humility and groundedness.
11.粉紅色(fan2 hung4 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “pink” is 粉紅色(fan2 hung4 sik1). In Cantonese culture, pink is generally associated with romance, youth, and femininity, and it has both traditional and modern connotations.
12.金色(gam1 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “gold” is 金色(gam1 sik1). Gold holds powerful and auspicious symbolism, often representing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
13.銀色(ngan4 sik1)
In Cantonese, the word for “silver” is 銀色(ngan4 sik1). In Cantonese culture, silver has a mix of positive and more subdued meanings, symbolizing purity, protection, and sometimes mourning. In traditional Chinese culture, white and silver are used in funeral rites as they are considered more subdued and appropriate for honoring the deceased.
More Vocabularies Of Colors In Cantonese
If you plan to go to Hong Kong or any Cantonese-speaking place, besides those basic colors, here is a list of vocabularies of colors in cantonese you may encounter.
| Meaning | Cantonese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| color | 顏色 | ngaan4 sik1 |
| plain colors | 淨色 | zing6 sik1 |
| dark (color) | 深 | sam1 |
| bright (color) | 光亮 | gwong1 loeng6 |
| colorful | 鮮豔 | sin1 jim6 |
| watercolor | 水彩 | seoi2 coi2 |
| colorful lantern | 花燈 | faa1 dang1 |
| color ink | 彩色墨 | coi2 sik1 mak6 |
| to shine brightly with color and light | 流光溢彩 | lau4 gwong1 jat6 coi2 |
More Sentences Of Colors In Cantonese
Here are more phrases and expressions where you can use what you have learned in naming the colors in Cantonese.
| Meaning | Cantonese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| This piece of clothing is black | 這件衣服是黑色的 | Ze5 gin6 ji1 fuk6 si6 hak1 sik1 dik1 |
| The carpenter is wearing a yellow helmet. | 木匠正帶著黄色安全帽。 | muk6 zoeng6 zing3 daai3 zoek6 wong4 sik1 on1 cyun4 mou2. |
| The gray wolf is foraging for food in the meadow. | 大灰狼在草地裡找食物 | daai6 fui1 long4 zoi6 cou2 dei6 leoi5 zaau2 sik6 mat6. |
| The white lotus is floating on the surface of the pond. | 白色的蓮花浮在湖面上 | baak6 sik1 dik1 lin4 faa1 fau4 zoi6 wu4 min2 soeng6 |
| Light colors really suit you well | 淺色色調很適合你 | cin2 sik1 sik1 diu6 han2 sik1 hap6 nei5 |
| His favorite color is orange | 他最喜歡的顏色是橙色 | taa1 zeoi3 hei2 fun1 dik1 ngaan4 sik1 si6 caang2 sik1 |
| Red is the color of good luck. | 紅色是幸運的顏色 | Hung4 sik1 si6 hang6 wan6 dik1 jan4 sik1 |
| I like the blue sky. | 我喜歡藍色的天空 | Ngo5 hei2 fun1 laam4 sik1 dik1 tin1 hung1 |
| You can use a pink pen to draw | 你可以用粉紅色的筆畫畫 | Nei5 ho2 ji5 jung6 fan2 hung4 sik1 dik1 bat1 waak3 wa2 |
Where To Use Colors In Cantonese?
Ok, since you already know how to name colors in Cantonese, you can use them in many situations. Here are some great examples of where you can use them.
1. For Shopping
When you go shopping, there are varieties of color choices that you might see for some products. Of course, you want to buy the color you want that suits your taste. Otherwise, you won’t enjoy that, and you will not feel satisfied. For example, girls love black (黑色 wong4 sik1) bag because it does not easily get dirty and can easily match any outfit.
2. For Greeting
Small talks can happen anywhere and anytime. It usually starts with basic greetings, but it can widen up to other topics. If someone asked you, 你最喜歡什麼顏 nei5 zeoi3 hei2 fun1 sam6 mo1 ngaan4 sik1? Which means “What’s your favorite color?” in English, you can respond using what you have learned above.
3. For Catching Attention
The eyes are attracted to high-contrast colors. For example, yellow is used to display the essential message. You may highlight the text using yellow to catch other’s attention. Same rule applied to fashion as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colors In Cantonese
How Do You Say Red In Cantonese?
In Cantonese, red is said as 紅色 (hung4 sik1).
What Is Cantonese Word For Rainbow?
The Cantonese word for rainbow is 彩虹 (coi2 hung4). It literally translates to “colorful rainbow.”
What Is Coloring In Cantonese?
The word for coloring in Cantonese is 著色 (ze3 sik1). It refers to the act of coloring, such as coloring a picture or applying color to something.
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