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March 24, 2026
液yè(ye4)
The character 液 (yè) refers to a liquid or fluid substance. It is commonly used in contexts such as describing various types of liquids, including water, juice, or chemical fluids. It is important to note that this term can also be used in scientific contexts, such as in chemistry or biology.
Strokes11Radical氵Frequency#4022DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of bodily fluids (液) plays a crucial role in health, where balance among different types of fluids is believed to be essential for well-being. This highlights the importance of understanding liquids beyond just physical substances.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'yeti' (sounds like 'yè') drinking a large bowl of liquid. The character 液 consists of the water radical (氵) on the left, representing its meaning related to liquids, combined with the character 也 (yě) which looks like a person enjoying that drink. Picture the yeti's joy as it sips the refreshing fluid.
Meanings of 液
yè(ye4)
1liquid
2fluid
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 液
液Simplified
11Strokes
氵Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#4022Frequency Rank
Podcast: 液
Podcast: 液
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AI Study Notes for 液
Quick Contrast
液 (yè) vs 流体 (liútǐ) — use 液 for specific types of liquids, while 流体 refers to the broader category of fluids.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone; 液 is pronounced with a falling tone (yè). A common mistake is confusing it with the similar-sounding character 也 (yě), which means 'also.' This word is often used in scientific or technical contexts, so ensure you use it appropriately in formal settings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 液 is not part of the official HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners familiar with HSK 4 vocabulary since it connects to terms like 水 (water) and 酸 (acid). Focus on its use in context, especially in discussions related to fluids or liquids.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 液 with the character 也 (yě), which leads to incorrect translations. For example, saying '这是液' (This is also) instead of '这是液体' (This is a liquid) is a common error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 液
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Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 夜 represents the sound.
1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
2The sound half夜 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywater
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 液? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 液?
Decomposition of 液
IDS Structure⿰氵夜
液Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
夜ye4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 液?
How to say liquid in Chinese
“liquid” in Chinese is液yè
The character 液 (yè) refers to a liquid or fluid substance. It is commonly used in contexts such as describing various types of liquids, including water, juice, or chemical fluids. It is important to note that this term can also be used in scientific contexts, such as in chemistry or biology.
When to use 液
Be mindful of the tone; 液 is pronounced with a falling tone (yè). A common mistake is confusing it with the similar-sounding character 也 (yě), which means 'also.' This word is often used in scientific or technical contexts, so ensure you use it appropriately in formal settings.
液 or something close to it
液 (yè) vs 流体 (liútǐ) — use 液 for specific types of liquids, while 流体 refers to the broader category of fluids.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 液 with the character 也 (yě), which leads to incorrect translations. For example, saying '这是液' (This is also) instead of '这是液体' (This is a liquid) is a common error.
Write 液
液
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Practice writing 液 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 液
液 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 5 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.
