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Kotomora

紅

crimson, deep red

JLPTN2StatusJōyō · grade 6FrequencyTop 2,000Strokes9

Readings

On'yomi

  • コウ
  • ク

Kun'yomi

  • べに
  • くれない
  • あか.い

Nanori

  • くれ
  • もみ

Meaning

紅 centers on a vivid, deep red color: crimson. It is used for rich reds, often with a sense of beauty or intensity.

Most common words using 紅

20 of 215
  • 紅くれない

    deep red; crimson

  • 紅茶こうちゃ
    N5

    black tea

  • 紅白こうはく
    N1

    red and white; colours for festive or auspicious occasions (colors)

  • 紅葉こうよう
    N3

    leaves turning red (in autumn); red leaves; autumn colours; fall colors

  • 紅葉もみじ
    N3

    maple (tree)

  • 口紅くちべに
    N3

    lipstick

  • 紅蓮ぐれん

    bright red

  • 深紅しんく

    deep crimson

  • 紅色べにいろ

    red; crimson; vermilion

  • 紅玉こうぎょく

    ruby

  • 紅一点こういってん

    the lone woman (e.g. bright flower) in a group

  • 丸紅まるべに

    Marubeni Corporation

  • 紅花べにばな

    safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

  • 紅しょうがべにしょうが

    red pickled ginger

  • 紅梅こうばい

    red-blossomed plum tree; red Japanese apricot

  • 紅海こうかい

    Red Sea

  • 紅潮こうちょう

    flush; blush

  • 紅衛兵こうえいへい

    (Chinese) Red Guards

  • 紅鮭べにざけ

    sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka); red salmon

  • 紅葉狩りもみじがり

    autumn-leaf viewing; fall-leaf viewing

Explore all words using 紅 →

Study

Etymology

紅 combines 糸 (thread/silk) with 工, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to a deep red dye or silk fabric.

Meaning mnemonic

The thread radical 糸 beside 工 suggests silk dyed a deep, rich red. Picture a bolt of crimson silk fabric.

Reading mnemonic

For コウ, imagine a deep red coat: coat -> コウ, and the coat is made of crimson silk.