B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

气色

qìsè /tɕʰi˥˩ sɤ˥˩/
Practice it

Qi-se is the visual reflection of a person's inner health and spirit on their face.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to a person's complexion and overall health appearance.
  • Commonly used to judge someone's physical or mental condition.
  • Often used in social greetings to show concern.

Overview

  1. 1概览：气色（qìsè）是一个描述性的名词，直接关联一个人的外在表现与内在生理或心理状态。它不仅仅指皮肤的颜色，还包含了眼神、面部肌肉的松弛度以及整体散发出的活力。2) 使用模式：气色通常与动词“好/坏/差”搭配，或者与“看”连用，如“看你的气色不错”。它常用于关心他人的语境。3) 常见情境：在探望病人、久别重逢或职场寒暄中非常高频。例如，看到朋友脸色红润，会说“你最近气色很好”；看到对方疲惫，会说“你气色不太好，要注意休息”。4) 近义词辨析：与“脸色”相比，“气色”更强调健康与精神的综合面貌，而“脸色”有时侧重于具体的肤色变化（如苍白、通红），有时带有情绪色彩（如脸色难看）。

Examples

1

看你最近气色很好，是不是有什么喜事？

everyday

You look like you're in great health/spirits lately; is there some good news?

2

患者的面部气色苍白，建议进一步检查。

formal

The patient's complexion is pale; further examination is recommended.

3

最近工作太累了，感觉气色差了很多。

informal

I've been working too hard lately, and I feel like my complexion has suffered.

4

通过观察气色，中医可以初步判断身体内部的失调。

academic

By observing the complexion, TCM practitioners can make an initial judgment on internal imbalances.

Common Collocations

气色红润 ruddy complexion, glowing with health
气色苍白 pale complexion
气色不好 poor complexion, looking unwell

Common Phrases

气色红润

rosy complexion

看气色

to judge by one's looks

调整气色

improve one's complexion/health

Often Confused With

气色 vs 脸色

Refers specifically to the skin color of the face, often used to describe emotional reactions like anger or fear.

Grammar Patterns

气色 + 好/差/红润 看 + 某人 + 气色 + 怎么样 气色 + 看起来 + 形容词

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use '气色' when discussing general health, vitality, or energy levels. It is versatile but leans towards a caring or observational register. Avoid using it to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '气色' as an adjective, but it is strictly a noun. Do not say '他很气色' (incorrect); say '他的气色很好' (correct). Do not confuse it with '表情' (facial expression).

Tips

💡

Use with health-related adjectives

Combine '气色' with adjectives like '好', '差', '红润', or '苍白' to express your observation clearly.

⚠️

Avoid being too personal

Commenting on someone's poor complexion can be sensitive. Ensure your tone is caring rather than critical.

🌍

Traditional Chinese Medicine influence

In Chinese culture, observing '气色' is a fundamental diagnostic method in TCM to assess a person's internal energy and health.

Word Origin

Derived from the concept that 'Qi' (vital energy) in Traditional Chinese Medicine manifests visibly as 'Se' (color/appearance) on the face.

Cultural Context

In China, asking about someone's '气色' is a common way to show care and intimacy. It reflects the cultural value placed on balance and harmony within the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Qi' (energy) + 'Se' (color). It is the color of your energy showing on your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

脸色主要指皮肤表面的颜色，有时与情绪（如生气、害怕）直接相关。气色则是一个更综合的概念，包含了精神面貌和健康状态。

你可以说“红光满面”、“气色红润”或者“看起来精神饱满”。这些词汇都传达了对方身体健康、心情愉快的信息。

不一定。气色不好可能仅仅是因为熬夜、压力大或过度疲劳，并不代表患有严重的疾病。

可以，但通常用于比较亲近或关心的语境。在非常严肃的商务会议中，直接评价对方气色可能略显突兀。

Test Yourself

fill blank

你最近休息得很好，看起来___特别棒。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 气色

气色常用来指代整体健康与精神状态，此处最为贴切。

multiple choice

当朋友说“你气色不太好”，他最可能在表达什么？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 你看起来很疲惫或不健康

气色不好通常暗示对方需要休息或关注健康。

sentence building

气色 / 很好 / 你 / 最近 / 看

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 看你最近气色很好

这是标准的中文表达习惯，以“看”作为观察动作开头。

Score: /3

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