A Conceptual Metaphor Study of the Basic Color Terms “Red, Yellow, and Blue” in Chinese Idioms -

Abstract

This study aims to examine the conceptual metaphors of the basic color terms “red, yellow, and blue” in Chinese idioms. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research was employed, with data collected from《汉语成语分类》(2008) [1] and《成语大词典》(Latest Revised Edition) (2017) [2], identifying a total of 122 idioms. The study found that the conceptual metaphors of “红” (red) fall into four categories: 1) [红 represents a living being] 2) [红 represents an object] 3) [红 represents human emotions] 4) [红 represents a clothing] for “黄” (yellow), five metaphorical categories were identified: 1) [黄represents humans or animals] 2) [黄represents an object] 3) [黄represents a wealth] 4) [黄represents a time] 5) [黄 represents a clothing] for “蓝” (blue), two metaphorical categories emerged: 1) [蓝 represents a shabbiness] 2) [蓝 represents an old generation]. The research indicates that language users incorporate additional words with color terms to extend their meanings, shaped by historical, cultural, and contextual factors. The findings illustrate the conceptual frameworks and cognitive systems of Chinese speakers through color-related metaphors in idioms. The researcher recommends further exploration of conceptual metaphors for other color terms, along with a detailed analysis of metaphorical mappings, to more precisely and comprehensively reflect the cognitive systems of language users.