Meanings of 言
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About 言
Podcast: 言
Podcast: 言
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AI Study Notes for 言
Imagine a person standing with their mouth open, ready to speak, symbolizing 'words' or 'speech'. The character 言 visually resembles a stylized mouth, emphasizing its connection to talking and communication.
A common mistake is to confuse 言 with other similar characters like 语 (yǔ), which specifically means 'language'. It's important to use 言 in contexts that relate directly to speaking or verbal expression. This character is more formal than informal expressions.
Though not categorized under a specific HSK level, 言 is foundational for learners, connecting with words like 说 (shuō - to speak) and 言语 (yányǔ - language). Focus on its usage in compound words to enhance vocabulary.
In Chinese culture, the concept of言 is highly valued, as communication is often seen as a key to relationships and harmony in social interactions. The importance of words is reflected in sayings like '言传身教', emphasizing the role of speech and example in teaching.
Learners often confuse 言 with 语 (yǔ), leading to incorrect phrases like '言语' when they mean 'speak'. The correct usage depends on the context: use 言 for words and speech, and 语 for language.
Pronunciation of 言
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Etymology of 言
Pictograph of a tongue sticking out of a mouth. In old scripts written the same as 舌 but with an extra line.
A tongue sticking out of a mouth 口
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 言?
Decomposition of 言
Identify the Components
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Write 言
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Practice writing 言 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 言
言 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Complete the Sentence
对于任何一种语____来说，文字的出现都是十分重要的。
For any language, the emergence of a writing system is extremely important.
Common Confusions with 言
Both relate to speech but have different usages.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "words"?
Example Sentences for 言 (10)
Cultural Notes for 言
'言' is often used in Chinese idioms and proverbs, emphasizing the importance of words in communication and relationships. For instance, '言而有信' means 'to speak with integrity'.
In Chinese culture, the concept of言 is highly valued, as communication is often seen as a key to relationships and harmony in social interactions. The importance of words is reflected in sayings like '言传身教', emphasizing the role of speech and example in teaching.
Word Family of 言
Compound Meaning
What does 信 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 言
Common phrases that include 言 (yán) are '言论' (yánlùn) meaning 'speech' or 'statement,' and '言传身教' (yán chuán shēn jiào) which means 'to teach by example and words.' These phrases highlight the significance of both spoken and demonstrated teachings.