A1 noun Neutral #5,000 most common 1 min read

彩虹

caihong /tsʰaɪ̯ ʰʊŋ/

The rainbow is a beautiful natural phenomenon appearing after rain, symbolizing hope and light.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • A multicolored arc formed by sunlight and rain.
  • Often symbolizes hope, beauty, or a fresh start.
  • Typically appears in the sky after a rainstorm.

Overview

  1. 1概览:彩虹(Rainbow)是由红、橙、黄、绿、蓝、靛、紫七种颜色组成的弧形光谱。它是自然界中最美丽的景观之一,通常在雨后阳光重新出现时最容易观察到。2) 用法模式:彩虹常作为名词使用,常与动词“出现”、“挂在”、“看见”等搭配。例如“天空中出现了一道彩虹”。在文学创作中,它常被用作比喻,象征困难过后的希望、美好的结局或转机。3) 常见语境:在日常生活中,人们常在雨后观察天空寻找彩虹;在诗歌或散文中,彩虹常用来形容绚烂的色彩或充满希望的未来。在儿童文学中,彩虹常与童话、宝藏或奇幻世界联系在一起。4) 近义词比较:彩虹与“霓(secondary rainbow)”不同,霓是彩虹外侧出现的较暗的副虹,颜色排列顺序与彩虹相反。彩虹是自然现象,而“七彩光”则是一个更宽泛的描述性词汇。

Examples

1

雨后,天空中出现了一道美丽的彩虹。

everyday

After the rain, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.

2

我们要像彩虹一样,经历风雨后绽放光彩。

formal

We should be like a rainbow, shining after the storm.

3

看!那边有一道彩虹!

informal

Look! There is a rainbow over there!

4

彩虹的形成是大气光学现象的结果。

academic

The formation of a rainbow is the result of atmospheric optical phenomena.

Common Collocations

一道彩虹 a rainbow
雨后彩虹 rainbow after the rain
挂在天空 hanging in the sky

Common Phrases

风雨过后见彩虹

After the storm comes the rainbow.

彩虹桥

Rainbow bridge

绚丽的彩虹

Splendid rainbow

Often Confused With

彩虹 vs 霓虹 (Neon)

Neon refers to artificial gas-discharge lamps used for advertising signs. It is not a natural weather phenomenon like a rainbow.

Grammar Patterns

一 + 量词 + 彩虹 彩虹 + 出现 + 在 + 地点 像 + 彩虹 + 一样

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word '彩虹' is neutral and commonly used in all registers. It is almost exclusively used as a noun. When using it in sentences, remember to use the appropriate measure word '道'.


Common Mistakes

Learners often use the wrong measure word like '个' instead of '道'. Also, some confuse '彩虹' with '霓虹' because of the shared character '虹'. Remember that '彩虹' is natural, while '霓虹' is artificial.

Tips

💡

Use the measure word

When counting rainbows, use the measure word '道' (dào). For example, '一道彩虹' is the correct way to say 'a rainbow'.

⚠️

Do not confuse with neon

In Chinese, '霓虹' (neon) refers to neon lights, which are artificial. Do not confuse it with the natural '彩虹'.

🌍

Symbolism in Chinese culture

In traditional Chinese culture, rainbows were sometimes seen as omens, but in modern times, they are almost exclusively positive symbols of success and happiness.

Word Origin

The character '虹' (hóng) originally depicted a dragon-like creature in ancient Chinese mythology, symbolizing a bridge between heaven and earth. Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to the meteorological phenomenon.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, the rainbow is a symbol of beauty and fleeting success. It is frequently used in metaphors to describe overcoming obstacles to reach a glorious result.

Memory Tip

Think of '彩' (colors) and '虹' (the arch shape). A 'colored arch' in the sky is a rainbow.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

这是因为太阳光包含多种颜色的光,当光线穿过水滴时,不同颜色的光折射角度不同,从而分离开来。最终我们看到了红、橙、黄、绿、蓝、靛、紫七种颜色。

不一定。只要有阳光和空气中的水滴,比如瀑布旁、喷泉边或洒水作业时,都有可能看到彩虹。

彩虹不是实体,它是一种光学现象。它没有固定的位置,随着观察者位置的变化,彩虹的形状和位置也会改变。

是的,彩虹本质上是一个圆环。由于地平线的遮挡,我们在地面上通常只能看到半圆形的弧线。

Test Yourself

fill blank

雨后,天空中出现了一___美丽的彩虹。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

在中文里,形容彩虹通常使用量词“道”。

multiple choice

彩虹通常是___的。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 七彩

彩虹的标志性特征就是由七种颜色组成。

sentence building

雨后 / 看见 / 我 / 一道 / 彩虹

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 雨后我看见了一道彩虹

标准的中文语序是时间状语在前,主语加谓语加宾语。

Score: /3

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