Chinese language question-what color is "Qin" - does it mean dark, clear, or blue?

[carly]

Or does it have some poetic Chinese double meaning which includes two or three of these meanings?

[Sho]

Yes, but there's a slight change in the character structure. Blue, green (and black) is one character while clear, pure and clean is another. The character is quite similar for both definitions and it is the radical that makes the change. There is a water element in the character meaning clear, pure and clean.

By the way, the correct pinyin spelling is 'qing'.

Edit: Pinyin spelling added.

[Prairie]

I assume you are referring to the word qing in the first tone and.... err, I see Sho has replied already so nevermind. I'll add that there is a similar qing in the first tone with a similar character that does mean "clear"

[carly]

That was a beautiful and helpful answer to my question.
I love this board!