As part of the language, culture, are playing an important role in communication. Therefore, to understand and master the cultural connotation of color words really has very important significance in today’s multi-cultural society, promote international cultural exchanges.

II. Classification and Functions of Basic Color Terms

2.1 Classification of Basic Color Terms
There are two main kinds of color terms: basic color terms and object color terms. Basic color terms mean “words used to describe the color of objects when they appear”. (Lu Hongmei 135) Basic color terms come from the language of Anglo-Saxon, including seven kinds of colors. In Chinese, they are “赤、橙、黄、绿、青、蓝、紫”. In English, they are “red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet”. Although basic color terms contain only a few words, they can be used with other words to indicate more colors. They are very active. Object color terms mean “terms used to indicate colors which are the names of objects”. (Lu Hongmei, 135) Lots of these kinds of words exist in any kinds of languages, such as “gold, silver, orange” in English, and “金黄色、米色、银色” in Chinese.
中英色彩表达的跨文化分析(2):http://www.youerw.com/yingyu/lunwen_35023.html