Color black in Chinese

In the previous Study Chinese series, we have leaned the color of Green and its meaning in Chinese culture. Today, we will learn another color: Black.

The Chinese character for this color is 黑色. This character may be a little complicated when we write it, so we should really pay some efforts in learning Chinese characters.

In western or American culture, black may not be a pleasant word. For example, people in those countries may use “black day” to describe a bad or sad day. Another example is the “Black Friday”, which is believed by many Christians that Jesus died on that day. So, black Friday means unlucky day.

But, black, corresponding to water, is a neutral color in China. The Daoism regards black as Heaven’s color. That’s why the Taiji symbol uses black and white to represent the unity of Yin and Yang. Ancient Chinese regarded black as the king of colors and honored black longer than any other color. And the Dao School chose black as the color of the Dao. 

In modern China, black is used in daily clothing. And in some area, black may also be used during a funeral to symbolize the spirit's return to the heavens. A black ribbon is usually hung over the deceased's picture.

Color learning is a big part of Chinese language learning, because of its meanings underneath the word. You may study Chinese or learn pinyin with a tutor if necessary, because a face-to face guidance will certainly be more helpful.