HSK 6, ng, 17 strokes, radical 木, rank #54739, Very Hard
檐
yán
eaves
HSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, radical 木, rank #54739, Very Hard
檐
yán
ledge or brim
HSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, radical 木, rank #54739, Very Hard
yán(yan2) T2
1the eaves of a house; edge, brim
2eaves
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March 24, 2026
檐yán(yan2)
The character 檐 (yán) refers to the eaves or overhanging edges of a roof, particularly in traditional Chinese architecture. It can also imply the edges or brims of other structures or objects. In context, it often relates to architectural features or protective overhangs that shield from rain.
Strokes17Radical木Frequency#54739DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the design of eaves is significant, as they protect the walls from rain and symbolize harmony with nature. The curvature of eaves is often aesthetically pleasing and represents balance in Feng Shui.
Memory Tip
Imagine a house with a roof that has long eaves, like the edge of a hat (brim) that keeps the rain away. The character 檐 looks like a roof (the top part) with a flat edge (the horizontal line), reminding you of where the rain drips off.
Meanings of 檐
yán(yan2)
1the eaves of a house; edge, brim
2eaves
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 檐
檐Simplified
17Strokes
木Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateCEFRC1
Podcast: 檐
Podcast: 檐
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AI Study Notes for 檐
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a house with a roof that has long eaves, like the edge of a hat (brim) that keeps the rain away. The character 檐 looks like a roof (the top part) with a flat edge (the horizontal line), reminding you of where the rain drips off.
Usage Notes
This character is typically used in formal contexts related to architecture and is rarely used in everyday conversation unless discussing building designs. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding characters; pay attention to the context in which it is used.
HSK Study Tips
While 檐 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK 3 and 4 words related to buildings and architecture, such as 房子 (house) and 屋顶 (roof). Students should focus on how it is used in compound words, like 屋檐 (eaves of a house).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the design of eaves is significant, as they protect the walls from rain and symbolize harmony with nature. The curvature of eaves is often aesthetically pleasing and represents balance in Feng Shui.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 檐 with 颜 (yán, meaning 'face' or 'color') due to the similar pronunciation. Always remember that 檐 relates to architecture, while 颜 pertains to appearance or facial features.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 檐
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Grammar Patterns of 檐
檐 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
楼上的每个房间都有飞____遮阴的阳台.
Each upstairs room opened on a balcony shaded by an overhanging roof.
Example Sentences for 檐 (5)
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1
楼上的每个房间都有飞檐遮阴的阳台.
lóu shàng de měi gè fáng jiān dū yǒu fēi yán zhē yīn de yáng tái.
Each upstairs room opened on a balcony shaded by an overhanging roof.
2
在屋檐下筑巢的鸟
zài wū yán xià zhù cháo de niǎo
birds nesting under the eaves
3
"她勉强笑笑,可是一起见镜子里那绿帽檐底下的笑影便立即下决心了.
" " tā miǎn qiáng xiào, xiào , kě shì yī qǐ jiàn jìng zǐ lǐ nà lǜ mào yán dǐ xià de xiào yǐng biàn lì jí xià jué.
She laughed unwillingly, and the laughing reflection under the green brim decided her instantly.
4
屋檐下挂着冰凌。
wū yán xià guà zháo bīng líng。
There were icicles hanging from the eaves.
5
她喜欢这里高高的天花板，它造型优美，还带有一圈漆成白色的飞檐。
tā xǐ huān zhè lǐ gāo gāo de tiān huā bǎn， ， tā zào xíng yōu， měi ， huán dài yǒu yī quān qī chéng bái sè de。
She loved the gracefully high ceiling, with its white-painted cornice.
Cultural Notes for 檐
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, the design of eaves is significant, as they protect the walls from rain and symbolize harmony with nature. The curvature of eaves is often aesthetically pleasing and represents balance in Feng Shui.
Word Family of 檐
Words Containing This Character5
屋檐eaves屋簷
檐yáneaves
帽檐brim (of a hat)
飞檐走壁to leap onto roofs and vault over walls (usually associated with martial arts)飛檐走壁
房檐eaves
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 屋檐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 檐
It is pronounced as 'yán', with a rising tone.
It's more commonly used in formal discussions about architecture rather than in daily conversations.
Common phrases include 屋檐 (wū yán, eaves of a house) and 笔檐 (bǐ yán, pen eaves, referring to the edge of something).
