1.
vermillion; cinnabar red
A vivid red-orange color traditionally derived from cinnabar (mercury sulfide), associated with shrines and traditional art.
A vivid red-orange color that has deep cultural significance in Japan. Originally referred to cinnabar, the mineral pigment used to produce the color.
Common collocations
- 朱に染まる: be dyed vermillion
- 朱色: vermillion (the color name)
- 朱塗り: vermillion-lacquered
- 朱を入れる: add corrections in red; also, to make corrections or revisions
- 朱肉: red ink pad (for stamps)
Similar words
- 赤: red — the general word for red; 朱 is more orange-tinged and culturally specific
- 紅/紅: crimson, deep red — a cooler, bluer red than 朱
- 丹: red earth pigment — an older, more literary word for red pigment
Cultural note
Vermillion is the iconic color of Shinto 鳥居 gates and many shrine buildings. It was believed to ward off evil spirits. The expression 朱に交われば赤くなる ("if you mix with vermillion, you turn red") is a proverb meaning you are influenced by the company you keep.