Definition
变色 (biàn sè) is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to change color' or 'to change countenance (turn pale)'. You can split the characters to insert a measure word or aspect: 变了一次色 ('changed color once'), 变了色 ('changed color'). The 'change color' sense covers both deliberate color change (like a chameleon) and discoloration (fading). The 'change countenance' sense is used for someone's expression changing dramatically due to emotion, such as fear or shock.
v.o.
to change colordiscolorfadeto change countenance (turn pale)
Examples
- 变色。Qiūtiān de yèzi kāishǐ biàn sè le.The leaves begin to change color in autumn.
- ,。Zhè jiàn yīfu xǐ guo jǐ cì, yǐjīng biàn guo yí cì sè le.This piece of clothing has been washed several times and has already changed color once.
- ,变色。Tā tīng le zhège xiāoxi, liǎnsè tūrán biàn sè le.After hearing this news, his countenance suddenly changed.
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