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March 24, 2026
彩虹cǎihóng(cai3hong2)
彩虹 (cǎihóng) refers to a rainbow, which is a meteorological phenomenon caused by reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It is often associated with beauty, hope, and sometimes serves as a cultural symbol of peace and harmony in various contexts.
Frequency#6126DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, rainbows are often seen as auspicious signs. They are sometimes associated with myths and legends, symbolizing a bridge between the earthly and the divine, particularly in folk tales where heroes embark on journeys under rainbows.
Memory Tip
Think of 彩 (cǎi) as 'color' because rainbows are colorful. The character 虹 (hóng) looks like a bridge across the sky, connecting different colors, just like a rainbow connects the earth and sky with its vibrant arc. Imagine a colorful bridge after a rain shower that brings joy!
Meanings of 彩虹
cǎihóng(cai3hong2)
1rainbow
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About 彩虹
彩虹Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
其它专名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#6126Frequency Rank
道Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 彩虹
Podcast: 彩虹
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AI Study Notes for 彩虹
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 彩 (cǎi) as 'color' because rainbows are colorful. The character 虹 (hóng) looks like a bridge across the sky, connecting different colors, just like a rainbow connects the earth and sky with its vibrant arc. Imagine a colorful bridge after a rain shower that brings joy!
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone: 彩虹 is pronounced with a third tone for 彩 (cǎi) and a second tone for 虹 (hóng). It's commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, often appearing in poetry or discussions about nature. A common collocation is '看到彩虹' (kàn dào cǎihóng) meaning 'to see a rainbow'.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, learners should focus on recognizing the individual components of the characters and their meanings. 彩 (cǎi) often appears in words related to color, while 虹 (hóng) can be found in words related to arcs or bridges. Connecting these characters to others in the same theme can enhance vocabulary retention.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, rainbows are often seen as auspicious signs. They are sometimes associated with myths and legends, symbolizing a bridge between the earthly and the divine, particularly in folk tales where heroes embark on journeys under rainbows.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the tones, pronouncing it as 'cai2 hong2' instead of 'cǎi hóng.' Also, some may mistakenly use the character for '桥' (bridge) instead of 虹 (rainbow) when describing its shape; remember 虹 specifically refers to the rainbow itself.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 彩虹
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Grammar Patterns of 彩虹
彩虹 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Without weathering storms, you cannot see the rainbow.
Example Sentences for 彩虹 (6)
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1
月亮在瀑布溅起的水雾上照出了一道彩虹。
yuè liàng zài pù bù jiàn qǐ de shuǐ wù shàng zhào chū le yī dào cǎi hóng。
The moon was casting a rainbow through the spray from the waterfall.
2
看哪，彩虹！
kàn nǎ， ， cǎi！
Oh look, a rainbow!
3
雨后初晴的天空中出现了一道彩虹.
yǔ hòu chū qíng de tiān kōng zhōng chū xiàn le yī dào cǎi hóng.
A rainbow appeared in the sky when it cleared.
4
彩虹在小城上空画出了一道优美的弧线。
cǎi hóng zài xiǎo chéng shàng kōng huà chū le yī dào yōu měi de hú xiàn。
A rainbow arced gracefully over the town.
5
彩虹在昏暗的天空划出了一道圆弧.
cǎi hóng zài hūn àn de tiān kōng huá chū le yī dào yuán hú.
The rainbow described an arc in the dark sky.
6
在彩虹边拾起了微笑.
zài cǎi hóng biān shí qǐ le wēi xiào.
Edge up at the Rainbow smile.
Cultural Notes for 彩虹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, rainbows are often seen as auspicious signs. They are sometimes associated with myths and legends, symbolizing a bridge between the earthly and the divine, particularly in folk tales where heroes embark on journeys under rainbows.
Frequently Asked Questions about 彩虹
彩虹 symbolizes hope and beauty, often seen as a sign of good fortune.
You can say '我昨天看到了彩虹' (Wǒ zuótiān kàn dào le cǎihóng) meaning 'I saw a rainbow yesterday'.
Yes, there are idioms like '雨后彩虹' (yǔ hòu cǎihóng), which means 'after the rain, comes the rainbow,' symbolizing hope after difficulties.
