Meanings of 胭
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About 胭
Podcast: 胭
Podcast: 胭
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AI Study Notes for 胭
胭 (rouge) vs 粉 (powder) — choose 胭 when specifically referring to cheek color, while 粉 refers to face powder in general.
While 胭 is specifically used for rouge, it is often used in more formal contexts related to cosmetics. A common mistake is confusing it with other terms for makeup; remember that 胭 is specifically for blush. Also, avoid using it in very casual conversations about makeup.
Although 胭 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other beauty-related words like 化妆 (huàzhuāng - makeup) and 美 (měi - beauty). Students should focus on the context of beauty and cosmetics to reinforce their understanding.
Learners often confuse 胭 with other makeup terms like 妆 (zhuāng - makeup) or 彩妆 (cǎizhuāng - cosmetics). For example, saying '我喜欢用妆' instead of '我喜欢用胭' is incorrect; use 胭 when specifically referring to rouge.
Pronunciation of 胭
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Etymology of 胭
flesh
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 胭
- 1The meaning half⺼ carries the sense.
- 2The sound half因 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayflesh
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 胭? 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
What type of character formation is 胭?
Decomposition of 胭
Identify the Components
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How to say cosmetics, rouge in Chinese
“cosmetics, rouge” in Chinese is胭
The character 胭 (yān) refers to cosmetics, particularly rouge or blush used on the cheeks. It is commonly associated with beauty and adornment in Chinese culture, often used in contexts relating to makeup and personal grooming.
When to use 胭
While 胭 is specifically used for rouge, it is often used in more formal contexts related to cosmetics. A common mistake is confusing it with other terms for makeup; remember that 胭 is specifically for blush. Also, avoid using it in very casual conversations about makeup.
胭 or something close to it
胭 (rouge) vs 粉 (powder) — choose 胭 when specifically referring to cheek color, while 粉 refers to face powder in general.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 胭 with other makeup terms like 妆 (zhuāng - makeup) or 彩妆 (cǎizhuāng - cosmetics). For example, saying '我喜欢用妆' instead of '我喜欢用胭' is incorrect; use 胭 when specifically referring to rouge.
Write 胭
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Practice writing 胭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 胭
胭 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.
Complete the Sentence
将____脂调匀涂在你脸颊红润的地方。
Dust and blend blusher on the apples of your cheeks.
Example Sentences for 胭 (3)
Word Family of 胭
Compound Meaning
What does 胭脂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 胭
It specifically refers to rouge or blush used on the cheeks.
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