1.
vermillion; cinnabar red; bright reddish-orange
A vivid reddish-orange color, traditionally associated with the pigment made from cinnabar. A characteristic color of Japanese shrines and traditional lacquerware.
鳥居は朱色に塗られている。
The torii gate is painted vermillion.
朱色の漆器がテーブルに並んでいる。
Vermillion lacquerware is lined up on the table.
秋になると、山の木々が朱色に染まって美しい。
In autumn, the mountain trees turn vermillion and look beautiful.
A vivid reddish-orange color with deep roots in Japanese culture. Composed of 朱 (vermillion) + 色 (color). The pigment was originally derived from cinnabar (辰砂), a mercury sulfide mineral.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 朱色の鳥居: vermillion torii gate
- 朱色に塗る: to paint vermillion
- 朱色に染まる: to turn vermillion
- 鮮やかな朱色: vivid vermillion
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Vermillion is one of the most iconic colors in Japanese culture. Shinto shrine gates (鳥居), temple buildings, and traditional lacquerware frequently feature this color. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and symbolize vitality and prosperity. The 朱肉 (vermillion ink pad) used for seals (印鑑) also uses this color.
RELATED TERMS:
- 赤: red — the most general word for red
- 紅: crimson — a deeper, cooler red
- 茜色: madder red — a warm red with yellow tones, associated with sunsets