KanjiJLPT N1
Coloring

coloring, paint, makeup

Mnemonic

A claw rakes down the side of a tree, leaving deep grooves that look like a stylish hairstyle. The sap bleeding through each groove creates a brilliant coloring — red, amber, and gold streaks painting the bark like a salon masterpiece.
Additional thoughts
Imagine a bear's claw dragging down bark, the parallel scratches mimicking flowing hair strands, while vivid sap oozes through in rich hues. The tree becomes a living canvas of coloring.
Quick recall
A claw scores a tree in hairstyle grooves that bleed vivid sap — nature's own coloring.

Details

The keyword for 彩 is coloring. This kanji refers to the act of adding color, as well as to color, brilliance, or decorative beauty in general. It conveys the idea of applying varied hues to create a vivid and attractive appearance. By extension, it can also suggest elegance, variety, or the richness of something that has been beautifully adorned.
On'yomi
さい
Kun'yomi
いろど.る