Meaning

Primary

Various

Alternative

Variously

Word Type

な adjective, adverb, noun, の adjective

Explanation

The character just repeats the kanji before it. In other words: color, color! But think figuratively, here — something with lots of different colors like this could also be described as various, which is exactly what this word means.

色々 used to mean a variety of colors, but over time evolved into a more general word for a diverse variety of something. You'll often see it as an adjective, like 色々な人 (various people), but it also pops up when talking about mixed experiences or actions, as in 色々あったね (a lot happened) or 色々考えた (I thought about it in all kinds of ways). Kind of appropriate how this word has various uses, eh?

Reading

いろいろ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading for this kanji is just the kun'yomi reading twice. Since you've learned the kun'yomi reading already, you should be able to read this word as well. Nothing tricky about it.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 色々な人

    various people

    色々なジャンル

    various genres

    色々なタイプ

    various types

Context Sentences

色々なタイプの人がいます。

There are various types of people.

大学では色々なクラスで学びました。

I studied in various classes at university.

色々考えたんですが、やはり人生で大切なものはお金だとおもいます。

I thought about various things, but in the end I think the most important thing in life is money.

Kanji Composition