qīng

沥青

Word · Adjective · NounTraditional青

blue/green; young

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

3 senses · 5 examples
1.

adjective

blue; green; bluish-green

In classical and some modern contexts, 青 can refer to blue, green, or black. Context is key.

qīng青
shān山
lǜ绿
shuǐ水

green mountains and blue waters (picturesque scenery)

Tā他
de的
liǎn脸
sè色
fā发
qīng青
 。

His face turned pale/bluish.

2.

adjective

young; youthful

literary

Often used in fixed compounds.

qīng青
nián年

youth

qīng青
chūn春

youth; youthfulness

3.

noun

young crops; unripe grains

literary

A classical usage, still seen in idioms.

qīng青
huáng黄
bù不
jiē接

temporary shortage (lit. when the new crop is still green and the old one is consumed)