Meanings of 燕
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About 燕
Podcast: 燕
Podcast: 燕
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AI Study Notes for 燕
燕 (yān) vs 鸥 (ōu) — choose 燕 when referring to swallows, known for their graceful flight, rather than 鸥, which refers to gulls, typically associated with coastal environments.
燕 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in literary or poetic expressions. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it inappropriately in casual conversation. Collocations often include phrases related to love or nature, such as '燕子归来' (the swallows return).
While 燕 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to themes of nature and relationships prevalent in beginner-level words. Students should focus on recognizing its use in idiomatic expressions and poetry, as it enriches their understanding of cultural nuances.
Learners often confuse 燕 with similar characters like 鳥 (bird) or 宴 (banquet). For example, saying '我喜欢燕子' (I like banquet) instead of the correct usage referring to the bird. Always ensure context aligns with nature when using 燕.
Pronunciation of 燕
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Etymology of 燕
A swallow, with its head 廿, wings 北, and tail 灬
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 燕
- 1The giveawayA swallow, with its head 廿, wings 北, and tail 灬
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 燕? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 燕
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How to say surname Yan in Chinese
“surname Yan” in Chinese is燕
燕 (yān) primarily refers to the swallow, a type of bird known for its graceful flight and association with love and fidelity. It can also denote the ancient vassal state of Yan during the Zhou dynasty, as well as serve as a surname. This character carries connotations of beauty and romance, often used in poetry and literature.
When to use 燕
燕 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in literary or poetic expressions. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it inappropriately in casual conversation. Collocations often include phrases related to love or nature, such as '燕子归来' (the swallows return).
燕 or something close to it
燕 (yān) vs 鸥 (ōu) — choose 燕 when referring to swallows, known for their graceful flight, rather than 鸥, which refers to gulls, typically associated with coastal environments.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 燕 with similar characters like 鳥 (bird) or 宴 (banquet). For example, saying '我喜欢燕子' (I like banquet) instead of the correct usage referring to the bird. Always ensure context aligns with nature when using 燕.
Write 燕
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Practice writing 燕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 燕
燕 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 7 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
崖沙____是一种褐羽白腹的鸟。
The sand martin is a brown bird with white underneath.
Example Sentences for 燕 (15)
Cultural Notes for 燕
In Western cultures, swallows also symbolize love and fidelity, but they may not hold the same cultural significance or poetic associations found in Chinese literature.
Word Family of 燕
Compound Meaning
What does 燕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 燕
燕 can also refer to the ancient vassal state of Yan and is used as a surname.
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