灰
火灾后，房子里全是灰。
After the fire, the house was full of ash.
The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance, typically wood or coal.
他把烟灰弹在烟灰缸里。
He tapped the cigarette ash into the ashtray.
Can also refer to the color gray.
Gray color, resembling the color of ash.
她穿了一件灰色的大衣。
She wore a gray coat.
In this sense, it is often used as an adjective.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Color vs. Substance
Remember that '灰' can refer to both the physical substance (ash) and the color (gray). Context usually makes the meaning clear.
Gold Rule
Compound Usage
In modern Chinese, '灰' is often part of compounds like 灰烬 (ashes) and 灰色 (gray). Learn these common combinations for better comprehension.
Word Origin
From the color and texture of ash left after burning.
Usage Notes
Can be used both as a noun (ash) and an adjective (gray). In modern Chinese, it is often used in compound words like 灰烬 (ashes) and 灰色 (gray).