Tùnsè means for colors to fade, becoming lighter and less bright, often due to exposure.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Colors become lighter and less vibrant.
- Commonly used for clothes and old photos.
- Caused by sun, washing, or time.
Overview
“褪色”是一个描述颜色变化的动词，表示颜色从鲜艳变得暗淡、浅淡的过程。它常常用来形容物体（尤其是纺织品和纸制品）由于各种原因（如日晒、水洗、时间流逝等）而失去原有色彩的鲜明度和饱和度。这个词在日常生活中非常常用，尤其是在谈论衣物保养、老照片或者某些装饰品时。
“褪色”通常用作不及物动词，后面不直接跟宾语，而是描述主语的状态变化。例如，“这件衣服褪色了”，“老照片已经褪色”。它也可以被动地描述颜色“被”褪去，但更常见的用法是直接描述颜色的变化。有时也会用“褪色”来比喻事物失去活力或吸引力，但这属于引申用法，在A1级别不常出现。
自然景象：有时也用来形容自然界中颜色的变化，如落叶的颜色褪去。
“变色”指颜色的改变，可以是变得更深、更浅，或者变成另一种颜色。“褪色”特指颜色变浅、失色，是“变色”的一种具体情况。例如，衣服“变色”可能是因为染料混合，而“褪色”是因为颜色脱落或被破坏。
“失色”和“褪色”意思相近，都表示失去原有的色彩。但“失色”有时可能带有更强的感情色彩，暗示失去光彩或活力，更偏文学性。在描述衣物颜色变化时，“褪色”更口语化和常用。
“掉色”和“褪色”非常接近，都指颜色脱落、变浅。但在某些语境下，“掉色”更侧重于颜色从物体表面脱落，例如洗衣服时水会变色，这是“掉色”的明显现象。而“褪色”更侧重于颜色本身变浅的结果。“褪色”更常用，涵盖范围更广。
Examples
这件白衬衫洗了几次就褪色了。
everydayThis white shirt faded after a few washes.
老照片的颜色会随着时间而褪色。
generalThe colors of old photographs fade over time.
别把这件深蓝色的毛衣放在太阳底下晒，不然会褪色。
informalDon't leave this dark blue sweater out in the sun, or it will fade.
长时间暴露在紫外线下，织物的分子结构会发生变化，导致褪色。
technicalProlonged exposure to UV light causes changes in the fabric's molecular structure, leading to fading.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
衣服褪色
clothes fade
照片褪色
photos fade
颜色褪色
color fades
Often Confused With
'Biànsè' means to change color, which can be becoming lighter, darker, or a completely different color. 'Tùnsè' specifically refers to losing color and becoming lighter.
'Diàosè' often implies color physically coming off, like dye running in water during washing. 'Tùnsè' describes the state of the color becoming less vibrant, often as a result of fading.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This is a very common verb used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing laundry or the aging of items like photographs. It's generally neutral in register. You can use it to describe the natural process of color loss in many objects.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 'tùnsè' (fade) with 'biànsè' (change color) or 'diàosè' (color runs/comes off). Remember 'tùnsè' is specifically about becoming lighter and less vibrant.
Tips
Think of fading jeans
Imagine your favorite jeans becoming lighter after many washes. That's 'tùnsè'.
Beware of sun exposure
Direct sunlight is a major cause of fading for clothes and photos. Keep them out of strong sun when possible.
Color symbolism matters
In some cultures, vibrant colors symbolize good fortune, so fading might be seen as losing that luck.
Word Origin
The character '褪' (tùn) means to fade or to take off (like clothes). '色' (sè) means color. Together, they literally mean 'color fades'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, maintaining the original color and vibrancy of items like clothing and artwork is often valued, reflecting care and quality. The act of fading can sometimes be associated with neglect or the passage of time, which carries its own symbolism.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tùn' (tun) like a 'tune-down' of color. The color gets 'tuned down' to a lighter shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions衣服、布料、纸张、照片等物品，在长时间暴露于阳光、洗涤、摩擦或自然老化的情况下，都可能发生褪色现象。
“褪色”主要指颜色本身变浅、失去鲜艳度。“掉色”则更侧重于颜色从物体表面脱落，比如洗衣服时水变色。“褪色”是结果，“掉色”是过程或现象，两者意思很接近，日常有时可互换使用。
洗涤时尽量使用冷水，选择温和的洗涤剂，将衣物反面洗涤，并避免长时间在阳光下暴晒，可以有效减少褪色。
一般不直接用“褪色”形容人的肤色或头发颜色变化，除非是比喻用法，比如形容人的青春活力“褪色”了，但这超出了A1的基本含义。
Test Yourself
这件红色的衬衫洗了几次就_______了。
这里描述的是衣服颜色变浅，符合“褪色”的含义。
以下哪个词最能描述颜色变浅、失去原有鲜艳度的过程？
“褪色”专门指颜色变浅，失去鲜艳度。
请用“褪色”和“老照片”造句。
这个句子直接说明了老照片会发生褪色的现象，符合基本用法。
Score: /3
Summary
Tùnsè means for colors to fade, becoming lighter and less bright, often due to exposure.
- Colors become lighter and less vibrant.
- Commonly used for clothes and old photos.
- Caused by sun, washing, or time.
Think of fading jeans
Imagine your favorite jeans becoming lighter after many washes. That's 'tùnsè'.
Beware of sun exposure
Direct sunlight is a major cause of fading for clothes and photos. Keep them out of strong sun when possible.
Color symbolism matters
In some cultures, vibrant colors symbolize good fortune, so fading might be seen as losing that luck.
Examples
4 of 4这件白衬衫洗了几次就褪色了。
This white shirt faded after a few washes.
老照片的颜色会随着时间而褪色。
The colors of old photographs fade over time.
别把这件深蓝色的毛衣放在太阳底下晒，不然会褪色。
Don't leave this dark blue sweater out in the sun, or it will fade.
长时间暴露在紫外线下，织物的分子结构会发生变化，导致褪色。
Prolonged exposure to UV light causes changes in the fabric's molecular structure, leading to fading.
