Abstract: According to cognitive linguistic theories，this paper first studies basic and commonly used meaning of “色” through a statistical analysis of “色” in Analects of Confucius and dictionary definitions of “色”.Based on the above analysis，evolution of the meaning of “色” and subordinate category of abstract perspective color words are discussed.The authors then come to the conclusion that abstract perspective color words should only include abstract perspective color words of sight and scene while abstract perspective color words of state should be excluded.

Key words: category, color words, abstract perspective color words, abstract perspective color words of state, abstract perspective color words of sight and scene