Meanings of 奄
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About 奄
Podcast: 奄
Podcast: 奄
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AI Study Notes for 奄
Imagine a weary traveler (representing feebleness) who decides to stay (remain) under an umbrella (the character's radical) during a rainstorm. The shape of 奄 can remind you of the umbrella covering and protecting the traveler, linking the pronunciation 'yān' to the sound of the rain falling as they tarry.
Learners might confuse 奄 with similar-sounding characters like 阉 (to castrate) or 淹 (to submerge), so understanding the context is crucial. This character is more formal and may appear in written texts rather than spoken language, so be cautious about its usage in everyday conversations.
Though not part of any HSK level, understanding 奄 can enrich your vocabulary significantly. Connect it with other characters dealing with actions or states, like 留 (liú, to stay) or 等 (děng, to wait), to deepen your grasp of related concepts.
In historical texts, 奄 can signify a state of waiting or lingering, reflecting traditional Chinese values of patience and contemplation. This character can also be associated with literary themes of delay in the context of love or longing.
Learners often confuse 奄 with 阉 (to castrate) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying 奄 instead of 阉 when discussing surgical procedures would be incorrect; ensure you understand the context to avoid such mix-ups.
Pronunciation of 奄
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Etymology of 奄
Lightning (电) is a big (大) and sudden and abrupt phenomenon.
Decomposition of 奄
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Which of these is a component of 奄?
Write 奄
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Practice writing 奄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 奄
奄 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
那个____奄一息的士兵痛得直哼哼.
The dying soldier was groaning with pain.
Example Sentences for 奄 (2)
Cultural Notes for 奄
In historical texts, 奄 can signify a state of waiting or lingering, reflecting traditional Chinese values of patience and contemplation. This character can also be associated with literary themes of delay in the context of love or longing.
Word Family of 奄
Compound Meaning
What does 奄奄一息 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奄
It's not commonly used in everyday conversations, but it relates to concepts of remaining or delaying.