橴 (zǐ) - Purple — a color term & also used in Buddhist contexts and place names.

橴Tone 3

zǐ ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

志

橴 · zǐ

Purple — a color term;

also used in Buddhist contexts and place names.

Purple — a color termalso used in Buddhist contexts and place names.

Usage highlights

PurplePurple robePurple cloudsPurple Forbidden CityPurple sandPurple qi

Synonyms

  • 紫— purple (standard character)

Antonyms

  • 绿— green (complementary color)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The purple robe (紫袍) is a symbol of nobility.
  • Purple clouds (紫云) are considered auspicious.
  • The Forbidden City is also called the Purple Forbidden City (紫禁城).
  • Purple sand pottery (紫砂) is famous in Yixing.

Collocations

  • Purple(紫色)
  • Purple robe(紫袍)
  • Purple clouds(紫云)
  • Purple Forbidden City(紫禁城)
  • Purple sand(紫砂)
  • Purple qi(紫气)

Idioms

  • Purple qi comes from the east(紫气东来)
  • Wearing purple and carrying gold(纡朱怀金)
  • Red purple usurps the true color(恶紫夺朱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Purple was historically associated with nobility and high rank in China, as it was difficult to produce purple dye.
  • In Daoism, purple clouds (紫云) and purple qi (紫气) are auspicious signs.
  • The Forbidden City's name (紫禁城) links purple with the celestial pole and imperial authority.

FAQ