Color in Japanese
"color" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
色
iro
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "color". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
色 is colour, and also appearance, tone, and — in older usage — sensuality and desire. 彩 is colouring as applied, the hues in a painting. 染 is to dye. 色 carries far more than the English word.
Top pick
color
Reading: shoku
6 strokes
Where it comes from
Shape of person kneeling. Complexion, color.
What it carries
Color, feature, sensuality. Represents vision and sensibility.
Related kanji for "color"
color
sai · beautiful, dark
Composed of pick and pattern. Pattern of picking.
color
sen · beautiful, dark
Composed of water, nine, and tree. Dyeing tree nine times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for color?
The most common kanji for "color" is 色, read as shoku. It means color. Related kanji: 彩 (color), 染 (color).
How many strokes does 色 have?
色 has 6 strokes.