緋 (fēi) - Scarlet & deep red

緋Tone 1

fēi ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

恩丰

緋 · fēi

Scarlet;

deep red;

crimson;

a bright red color.

Scarletdeep redcrimson

Usage highlights

Scarlet colorScarlet robeScarlet threadScarlet cloudScarlet mapleScarlet letter

Synonyms

  • 赤— red (general term)
  • 紅— crimson; deep red
  • 朱— vermilion; cinnabar red

Antonyms

  • 青— blue; green
  • 白— white

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She wore a scarlet dress (緋色のドレス).
  • The sky turned crimson at sunset (夕焼けの空が緋色に染まった).
  • He was caught red-handed (現行犯で捕まった).
  • The maple leaves turn scarlet in autumn (紅葉が緋色に染まる).

Collocations

  • Scarlet color(緋色)
  • Scarlet robe(緋の衣)
  • Scarlet thread(緋糸)
  • Scarlet cloud(緋雲)
  • Scarlet maple(緋楓)
  • Scarlet letter(緋文字)

Idioms

  • Scarlet and purple(緋紫 - high official ranks)
  • Scarlet face(顔を緋てらす - blushing deeply)
  • Scarlet seal(緋印 - official red seal)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Japanese culture, scarlet (緋) was associated with high-ranking officials and nobility.
  • The color was historically difficult to produce and thus considered prestigious and expensive.
  • Scarlet appears frequently in traditional Japanese art and clothing, particularly in ceremonial contexts.

FAQ