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March 24, 2026
涯yá(ya2)
The character 涯 (yá) refers to a boundary or horizon, often in the context of water, such as the edge of a riverbank or shore. It can also denote the metaphorical limits of something, such as time or life experiences. This character is commonly used in literary contexts and expressions related to natural landscapes.
Strokes11Radical氵Frequency#36914DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry, the concept of 涯 often appears in verses describing the beauty of nature, symbolizing the intersection of land and water. This reflects the Chinese appreciation for landscapes and the philosophical notions of boundaries and limits.
Memory Tip
Imagine a river bank (the meaning of 涯) where the water meets the land. The character consists of the water radical (氵) on the left, symbolizing its relation to water, and the character 牙 (yá) on the right, which means 'tooth' and can remind you of the jagged edge of a riverbank. Visualize the 'tooth' of the land dipping into the water to remember the pronunciation 'yá'.
Meanings of 涯
yá(ya2)
1border, horizon; river bank, shore
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 涯
涯Simplified
11Strokes
氵Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 涯
Podcast: 涯
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AI Study Notes for 涯
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a river bank (the meaning of 涯) where the water meets the land. The character consists of the water radical (氵) on the left, symbolizing its relation to water, and the character 牙 (yá) on the right, which means 'tooth' and can remind you of the jagged edge of a riverbank. Visualize the 'tooth' of the land dipping into the water to remember the pronunciation 'yá'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 涯 with similar characters related to water, such as 河 (hé, river) or 海 (hǎi, sea). It is usually used in more formal contexts, especially in literature or poetry. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 涯 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it can enrich your understanding of words related to water and boundaries. Focus on the water radical (氵) in related characters to build connections, enhancing your vocabulary related to natural features.
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry, the concept of 涯 often appears in verses describing the beauty of nature, symbolizing the intersection of land and water. This reflects the Chinese appreciation for landscapes and the philosophical notions of boundaries and limits.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 涯 interchangeably with other characters like 岸 (àn, bank) or 边 (biān, edge), which have different nuances. It's important to remember that 涯 specifically relates to water boundaries and horizons.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 涯
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Grammar Patterns of 涯
涯 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). 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
这也是她唱片生____的开始。
This was also the beginning of her recording career.
Example Sentences for 涯 (10)
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1
这也是她唱片生涯的开始。
zhè yě shì tā chàng piàn shēng yá de kāi shǐ。
This was also the beginning of her recording career.
2
泰勒的运动生涯是从一名业余守门员开始的。
tài lè de yùn dòng shēng yá shì cóng yī míng yè yú shǒu mén yuán kāi shǐ de。
Taylor began his playing career as an amateur goalkeeper.
3
他最终承认他的电影生涯走到尽头了。
tā zuì zhōng chéng rèn tā de diàn yǐng shēng yá zǒu dào jìn tóu le。
He finally admitted that his film career was kaput.
4
帕克开始运动生涯时是个跳远运动员。
pà kè kāi shǐ yùn dòng shēng yá shí shì gè tiào yuǎn yùn dòng yuán。
Packer began her career as a long jumper.
5
在她职业生涯后期，最为人熟知的是和鲁道夫·努列耶夫的搭档组合。
zài tā zhí yè shēng yá hòu qī， ， zuì wéi rén shú zhī de shì hé lǔ dào· fū · nǔ liè yé fū de dā dàng。
Her later career was best known for her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev.
6
那部电影有助于她的银幕生涯的发展。
nà bù diàn yǐng yǒu zhù yú tā de yín mù shēng yá de fā zhǎn。
The movie helped boost her screen career.
7
我明确感觉到我将不得不与我的舞蹈生涯说再见了。
wǒ míng què gǎn jué dào wǒ jiāng bù dé bù yǔ wǒ de wǔ dǎo shēng yá shuō zài jiàn le。
I felt sure I'd have to kiss my dancing career goodbye.
In his long career at BP, Horton turned around two entire divisions.
9
走廊的一面墙上贴满了他橄榄球生涯里各个时期的照片。
zǒu láng de yī miàn qiáng shàng tiē mǎn le tā gǎn lǎn qiú shēng yá lǐ gè gè shí qī de zhào piàn。
Lining a corridor is a wall of photographs spanning his rugby days.
10
演员多姆·德卢西谈论自己的喜剧生涯。
yǎn yuán duō mǔ· · dé lú xī tán lùn zì jǐ de xǐ jù shēng。
Actor Dom Deluise talks about his career in comedy.
Cultural Notes for 涯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese poetry, the concept of 涯 often appears in verses describing the beauty of nature, symbolizing the intersection of land and water. This reflects the Chinese appreciation for landscapes and the philosophical notions of boundaries and limits.
Word Family of 涯
Words Containing This Character12
生涯shēngyácareer
天涯a faraway place
天涯海角the ends of the earth
涯yáborder
浪迹天涯to travel the world浪跡天涯
咫尺天涯so close, yet worlds apart (idiom)
海角天涯the ends of the earth
学海无涯ars longa, vita brevis學海無涯
戎马生涯army life (idiom)戎馬生涯
天涯若比邻far-flung realms as next door (idiom)天涯若比鄰
地角天涯The ends of the earth
天涯比邻far-flung realms as next door (idiom)天涯比鄰
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 生涯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 涯
No, 涯 is more frequently found in literary contexts rather than in daily speech.
Use the mnemonic of a riverbank where the land 'tooth' meets the water, associating 'yá' with this image.
Yes, it can also metaphorically describe the limits or horizons of life experiences.
