Definition
成色 literally refers to the percentage of gold or silver in a coin or alloy — its fineness. By extension, it describes the overall quality or condition of an item, especially second-hand goods, and can also refer to someone's moral character or dignity. The word carries a practical, evaluative tone in both literal and figurative uses.
n.
fineness (of gold/silver)purity percentagequalityoverall condition (of an object)proprietydignity (of a person, less common)
Examples
- 成色。Zhè kuài jīntiáo de chéng sè shì qiān fēn zhī jiǔ bǎi jiǔ shí jiǔ.The fineness of this gold bar is 999 per thousand.
- 成色，。Zhè liàng èrshǒu chē de chéng sè búcuò, bǎoyǎng de hěn hǎo.The condition of this used car is good; it's been well maintained.
- 成色，。Zuò rén yào yǒu chéng sè, bù néng yán ér wú xìn.A person must have integrity; you can't go back on your word.
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