Meaning and Usage
"彩色" (cǎisè) literally means "colorful" or "colored." It is commonly used to describe objects that have multiple colors or are not monochrome. This word is often seen in contexts related to art, media, and technology, such as 彩色电视 (color TV) or 彩色图片 (color pictures).
Common Collocations
- 彩色电视 (color TV): distinguishes from black-and-white TV.
- 彩色图片 (color pictures): used in books, magazines, or digital media.
- 彩色笔 (colored pens): common in art and school contexts.
Usage Notes
"彩色" is an adjective and usually precedes the noun it modifies. It emphasizes the presence of multiple colors or the use of color rather than black and white. It is more formal and specific than just saying "有颜色" (have color). Avoid confusing it with "颜色" which simply means "color" in general.
Register and Tone
"彩色" is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is common in everyday conversation, education, and media descriptions.