補 色(ほしょく)

ほしょく

noun

complementary color

1. complementary color

A color that is opposite another on the color wheel. When placed side by side, complementary colors create strong contrast; when mixed, they produce a neutral tone.

赤(あか)の補色(ほしょく)は緑(みどり)だ。

The complementary color of red is green.

補色(ほしょく)を使(つか)うと目立(めだ)つデザインになる。

Using complementary colors makes a design eye-catching.

補色(ほしょく)の関係(かんけい)にある色(いろ)を並(なら)べると、お互(たが)いを引(ひ)き立(た)てる効果(こうか)がある。

Placing colors in a complementary relationship next to each other creates an effect where they enhance one another.

Compound of 補(ほ) (supplement, complement) + 色(しょく) (color). A technical term from color theory, used in art, design, fashion, and photography.

Common collocations

補色(ほしょく)の関係(かんけい): complementary color relationship
補色(ほしょく)を組(く)み合(あ)わせる: to combine complementary colors
補色(ほしょく)対比(たいひ): complementary contrast
補色(ほしょく)残像(ざんぞう): complementary afterimage

Common complementary pairs

Note on homophones

補色(ほしょく) (complementary color) is distinct from 捕食(ほしょく) (predation, catching prey). Context makes the difference clear.

general

Added 2026.4.3 0:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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