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簷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
yánedge, brim; the eaves of a housezg, 19 strokes, radical ⺮, Very Hard
yán(yan2) T2
  1. 1edge, brim; the eaves of a house
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March 24, 2026
yán(yan2)

The character 簷 (yán) refers to the edges or brims of objects, particularly the eaves of a house. It is commonly used in architectural contexts to describe architectural features that overhang the walls and provide protection from rain or sun.

Strokes19RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, the eaves (簷) are not only functional but also aesthetically significant, often elaborately decorated to reflect the building's status and style.

Memory Tip

Imagine a house with a large, protective eave that extends outwards. The shape of the eave resembles a 'Y' for yán, where the outer edge of the eave forms the brim that keeps the rain away.

Meanings of 簷

yán(yan2)
1edge, brim; the eaves of a house
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 簷

Simplified
19Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 簷

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 簷

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a house with a large, protective eave that extends outwards. The shape of the eave resembles a 'Y' for yán, where the outer edge of the eave forms the brim that keeps the rain away.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 簷 (yán) with similar-sounding words. It is typically used in formal contexts related to architecture. Common collocations include 簷口 (yánkǒu), which means the edge of the eave.

HSK Study Tips

Although 簷 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your knowledge of architectural terms in Mandarin. Focus on its usage in relevant contexts to build a specialized vocabulary.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, the eaves (簷) are not only functional but also aesthetically significant, often elaborately decorated to reflect the building's status and style.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 簷 (yán) with the more general word for 'edge' (边, biān). For example, saying '我喜欢这个簷' (wǒ xǐhuān zhège yán) to mean 'I like this edge' is incorrect; '边' should be used instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 簷

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Etymology of 簷

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 詹 represents the sound. Simplified form of 簷.

Memory Hint

bamboo

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 簷?

Decomposition of 簷

IDS Structure⿱⺮詹
Full Character
=
zhu2
top
Zhan1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 簷?

Write 簷

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 簷

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese architecture, the eaves (簷) are not only functional but also aesthetically significant, often elaborately decorated to reflect the building's status and style.

Word Family of 簷

Words Containing This Character5
屋檐eaves屋簷
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 簷

It is pronounced as 'yán'.