noun / adjective HSK 5
guāng cǎi
luster · splendor · glory · honor · radiance

Meaning

光彩 refers to brightness, radiance, or an honorable reputation. It can describe literal physical brilliance (like light or shine) or figurative glory and honor that brings pride. The word combines the concepts of light (光) and color (彩) to suggest something that shines beautifully.

Usage

Often used in contexts related to reputation and honor, particularly in phrases like 有光彩 (glorious, honorable) or 为...增光添彩 (to bring honor to). Can describe both physical radiance and metaphorical pride. Common in formal or literary contexts when discussing achievements or reputation.

Examples

  1. 01
    她的成功为家人争了光彩
    de chénggōng wèi jiārén zhēngle guāng cǎi.
    Her success brought honor to her family.
  2. 02
    这件事做得很光彩
    Zhè jiàn shì zuò de hěn guāng cǎi.
    This matter was handled in a very honorable way.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 光彩
    yǒu guāng cǎi
    glorious, honorable
  • 增光添彩
    zēng guāng tiān cǎi
    to add luster and color, to bring honor
  • 为...争光彩
    wèi ... zhēng guāng cǎi
    to win glory for...
  • 光彩夺目
    guāng cǎi duó
    dazzlingly brilliant

Antonyms

Origin

Combines 光 (light) with 彩 (color) to create an image of radiant, colorful brightness, which extended metaphorically to mean honor and glory.

Related