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色
color · hue · lust
N4On: しょく、しきKun: いろ
Memory Aid
The kanji 色 depicts a kneeling person with emphasis on their complexion or expression. This reveals their 'color' (of emotion) or general 'hue', and historically, the character also conveyed concepts of beauty or sexual desire, leading to the meaning of 'lust'.
'Iro' — Sounds like 'E-ROH'. Think of 'erotic' or 'romantic' to remember its meanings of 'lust' and 'colorful' passion.
'Shoku' — Sounds like 'SHOW-ku'. Imagine a 'show' of amazing 'colors'.
Vocabulary
色いろcolor
いろいろないろいろなvarious
景色けしきscenery
肌色はだいろskin color
顔色かおいろcomplexion
Example Sentences
この花の色の組み合わせはとてもきれいです。
The color combination of this flower is very beautiful.
スーパーにはいろいろな種類の野菜があります。
There are various kinds of vegetables at the supermarket.
旅行で見た景色が忘れられません。
I can't forget the scenery I saw during my trip.
先生は私の顔色を見て心配しました。
The teacher looked at my complexion and worried.