朱红

• Pinyin: zhū hóng
• Hanzi breakdown: 朱 = 牛 variant + 一 (vermilion); 红 = 纟 + 工 (red)

Meaning

Vermilion; bright red; cinnabar red. A vivid, warm red color with orange undertones, traditionally made from cinnabar.

A specific shade of red that is bright and slightly orange-toned. Historically significant in Chinese culture, used for imperial seals, traditional buildings, and ceremonial objects. Associated with good fortune, authority, and traditional aesthetics.

Examples

1. 故宫的墙壁被涂成朱红色。 The walls of the Forbidden City are painted vermilion.
2. 她涂着朱红色的指甲油。 She’s wearing vermilion nail polish.
3. 朱红色在中国传统文化中象征吉祥。 In traditional Chinese culture, vermilion symbolizes good fortune.

Usage Guide

Context: art, architecture, fashion

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这座寺庙的大门漆成了传统的朱红色。(The temple gate is painted in traditional vermilion.)
• 她选择了一支朱红色的口红。(She chose a vermilion lipstick.)

Don't Say

• 朱红的天空 — use 火红 or 通红 for sunset/dramatic red skies

Origin & History

朱 (vermilion, cinnabar) + 红 (red)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal