Translation and Meaning of: 着色 - chakushoku

The Japanese word 着色[ちゃくしょく] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is used in daily life, and some curiosities that can help you memorize it. Additionally, we will understand why this expression is relevant in artistic and industrial contexts, even appearing in discussions about tradition and modernity.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese talk about coloring objects or adding shade to something, 着色 is one of the key terms. It goes beyond the basics, connecting to traditional and contemporary techniques. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to explain these details clearly, so let's get straight to the point.

Meaning and use of 着色

着色 [ちゃくしょく] literally means "coloration" or "the act of coloring." Unlike more generic terms like 色 [いろ] (color), it specifically refers to the application of pigments or paints on a surface. It can be used for both physical objects—like fabrics or ceramics—and in digital contexts, such as graphic design.

An important detail is that 着色 is not limited to artistic activities. In the industry, for example, it appears in manufacturing processes that involve dyeing or coating. This versatility makes the word more common in technical manuals and specialized discussions than in informal conversations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 着色 comes from the combination of 着 (ちゃく), which indicates "to wear" or "to apply," and 色 (しょく), which means "color." Together, these kanji convey the idea of "dressing with color," a poetic image that reflects its practical use well. It's worth noting that 色 here is read as しょく, a less common reading, but it appears in other compounds such as 色彩[しきさい] (hue).

Interestingly, the kanji 着 is also used in words like 着物[きもの] (kimono), reinforcing the notion of covering or adorning something. This connection helps to understand why 着色 is often associated with manual techniques and meticulous processes, such as those found in traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 着色 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of pottery workshops, where raw clay pieces come to life with colorful glazes. This is a classic example of 着色 in action. Another tip is to remember that the term is more technical—using it instead of 塗る[ぬる] (to paint) in professional contexts demonstrates mastery of the vocabulary.

To avoid confusion, pay attention to the kanji 色. Although its main reading is いろ, in compounds like 着色 it changes to しょく. This pattern is common in words of Sino-Japanese origin, so recognizing it can help decipher other unknown terms in the future.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 染色 (senshoku) - Process of dyeing fabrics or threads.
• 着色料 (chakushokuryō) - Substances used to color food, cosmetics, or materials.
• 色づけ (irozuke) - The act of adding color, often referring to giving color to an image or object.
• 彩色 (saishiki) - Coloring or applying colors, often used in artistic contexts.

着色

Romaji: chakushoku
Kana: ちゃくしょく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: coloring

Meaning in English: colouring;coloring

Definition: To color a substance.

Example Sentences - (着色) chakushoku

See below some example sentences:

この絵は美しい着色がされています。

Kono e wa utsukushii chakushoku ga sarete imasu

This painting has a beautiful color.

This image is beautifully colored.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 絵 - noun that means "painting" or "drawing"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 着色 - noun that means "coloring" or "painting"
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• されています - passive verb in the polite form meaning "was done" or "was painted"