色
The 色 radical
Colour, complexion
Memory hook
One person bending close to read another's face; from 'complexion' came the sense of colour: 颜色 (colour), 红色 (red).
The 色 radical (read sè) means colour, complexion. The HSK 3.0 data contains 2 characters and 25 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 色 radical
Study this radical's 25 words with flashcards or a quiz.
The free plan drills 15 words per radical. Upgrade to Premium
Characters with the 色 radical
2 charactersHSK 2· 1 characters
HSK 2色
color
HSK 5· 1 characters
HSK 5艳
gorgeous, splendid (referring to bright, radiant beauty)
Vocabulary with the 色 radical
25 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 色 radical, ordered by HSK level.
white; the color white
red; the color red
green (color)
blue (color)
color
yellow; the color yellow
black; the color black
colorful; multicolored
scenery; landscape
distinctive feature; characteristic
colorful, multicolored
outstanding, excellent
color
color, hue
role, character
gray
complexion, facial expression
vivid, bright-colored
all kinds, of every sort
vivid, engaging, full of color
true nature; inherent quality
a signal, a meaningful look
to describe very vividly, as if real
bright, brilliant, gorgeous
inferior, not as good, less outstanding
Why learn vocabulary by the 色 radical?
The 色 radical hints at the meaning colour, complexion. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 2 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 25 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.