Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
簷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
簷yánedge, brim; the eaves of a housezg, 19 strokes, radical ⺮
yán(yan2) T2
  1. 1edge, brim; the eaves of a house
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

簷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.

Strokes19Radical⺮
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

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

Podcast: 簷

JasonAmy

Podcast: 簷

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 簷

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.

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

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 簷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

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)⺮
+
Phonetic (sound)詹
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 簷

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

  1. 1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half詹 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaybamboo
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 簷? 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 簷?

Decomposition of 簷

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

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 簷?

How to say edge, brim; the eaves of a house in Chinese

“edge, brim; the eaves of a house” in Chinese is簷yán

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.

When to use 簷

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.

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 簷

簷

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 簷

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 簷

It is pronounced as 'yán'.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 簷?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.