Definition
声色 is a literary noun with two main senses. The first refers to a person's tone of voice and facial expression — you'll often see it in set phrases like 不动声色 (to maintain composure without revealing emotion) or 声色俱厉 (harsh tone and stern expression). The second sense refers to sensual pleasures, especially music and women, derived from classical phrases like 声色犬马 (the pleasures of the senses); in this sense it can imply debauchery or dissipation. Context determines which meaning is intended.
n.
(literary) tone of voice and facial expressiondemeanor(literary) sensual pleasuresespecially music and womendebauchery
Examples
- ，。Tā tīng dào zhège xiāoxi hòu bú dòng shēng sè, jìxù gōngzuò.After hearing the news, he remained composed and continued working.
- 声色，。Gǔdài guìzú chénmí yú shēng sè quǎn mǎ, zuìzhōng dǎozhì shuāibài.Ancient nobles indulged in sensual pleasures, ultimately leading to decline.
- 声色。Tā shēng sè jù lì de pīpíng le nàge bú fù zérèn de yuángōng.He criticized that irresponsible employee with a harsh tone and stern expression.
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