also: かつ · かちん
dark indigo; almost black
Refers to a very dark blue-black color, often used in traditional dyeing. Related to 褐色 (かちいろ).
See also: 褐色
Dark indigo was used as the color of armor for ancient warriors.
coarse cloth
Historical term for a rough, homespun fabric, often made from hemp or other plant fibers. Rare in modern usage.
Coarse cloth was a rough fabric used for commoners' clothing.
reddish brown; rufous
blackish brown; dark brown
brown algae; phaeophyceae
browning; brown discoloration
Standard kanji form for the color and cloth senses.
Obsolete kana form; not used in modern Japanese.
Alternate reading; less common than かち.
The kanji 褐 originally referred to coarse cloth or a dark color. The reading かち is of uncertain origin, possibly from an old Japanese word for dark dye.