颜色背后的文化密码 - The Cultural Codes Behind Colors [HSK 4]

Exploring the special meanings and taboos of red, black, and green in Chinese culture.

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Learn Chinese | 중국어 배우기 | 中国語を学ぶ | Изучать китайский язык | Học tiếng Trung | Belajar bahasa Mandarin | Aprender chino | تعلم اللغة الصينية

《English Translation》

小潘: Teacher Liu, yesterday I saw something strange. I wanted to buy a green hat as a birthday gift for my classmate, but the shop assistant looked odd and suggested I choose another color. Why is that?
刘娜: Oh, Xiaopan! Luckily the shop assistant reminded you. In Chinese culture, a 'green hat' has a very special meaning and must never be given casually.
小潘: Really? I thought green represents nature, so it should be good. Is green not good?
刘娜: Green itself is good, it represents the environment and life. But 'green hat' has had a special meaning since ancient China—it refers to being betrayed by one’s partner. So you must never give a green hat as a gift to a friend, it would be misunderstood.
小潘: Oh no! What about other colors then? Like red and black, do they also have special meanings?
刘娜: Red is the complete opposite! In China, red is the most auspicious color, symbolizing good luck and celebration. During Spring Festival you see red decorations everywhere, and people also wear red at weddings. Black, on the other hand, is usually linked with bad things. For example, 'black-hearted' means someone with a bad heart.
小潘: So colors have such deep cultural meanings in Chinese! It seems I need to learn not only grammar and vocabulary, but also cultural knowledge to avoid making mistakes.
刘娜: Exactly! Language and culture are inseparable. By understanding these cultural backgrounds, your Chinese expressions will sound more authentic and natural.