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阉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
阉yāneunuch; to castraten, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #12812, Very Hard
阉yāna castrateunknown, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #12812, Very Hard
阉yānneuterunknown, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #12812, Very Hard
yān(yan1)yan T1
  1. 1eunuch; to castrate
  2. 2a castrate
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March 24, 2026

阉(閹)yān(yan1)

The character 阉 (yān) primarily refers to a eunuch, a man who has been castrated, historically seen in contexts such as royal courts in ancient China. It can also mean 'to castrate' and is used in discussions about gender and biology, particularly in veterinary contexts or discussions of neutering animals.

Strokes11Radical门Frequency#12812DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In ancient China, eunuchs held significant power in the imperial court, often acting as trusted advisors or guardians of the emperor's harem. The practice of castration was linked to social status and control within the palace.

Memory tip

Imagine a man (representing '男') behind a wall (the radical '阝' representing a place or barrier) who has been separated from his ability to reproduce. The sound 'yān' can be remembered by associating it with a 'yawn' of sadness for the loss of masculinity.

Meanings of 阉

yān(yan1)
1eunuch; to castrate
2a castrate
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 阉

阉Simplified
閹Traditional
11Strokes
门Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 阉

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Podcast: 阉

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AI Study Notes for 阉

Usage Notes

The term is often used in historical texts and discussions about imperial China, so it is generally more formal. Learners should avoid using it casually, as it can be sensitive. Common collocations include '阉人' (yānrén - eunuch) and '阉割' (yāngē - to castrate).

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the official HSK vocabulary, 阉 can be connected to HSK Level 5 vocabulary related to gender and animals. Students should focus on its historical context and how it relates to discussions of masculinity in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 阉 with similar-sounding characters, like 言 (yán - to speak). Ensure to remember that 阉 specifically relates to castration and eunuchs.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 阉

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Etymology of 阉

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

Phonosemantic compound. 门 represents the meaning and 奄 represents the sound. Simplified form of 閹.

Memory hint

gate

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

Origin

阉 = 门 + 奄. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 阉

IDS Structure⿵门奄
阉Full character
=
门Men2
enclosing
奄yan1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 阉?

How to say eunuch; to castrate in Chinese

“eunuch; to castrate” in Chinese is阉yān

The character 阉 (yān) primarily refers to a eunuch, a man who has been castrated, historically seen in contexts such as royal courts in ancient China. It can also mean 'to castrate' and is used in discussions about gender and biology, particularly in veterinary contexts or discussions of neutering animals.

When to use 阉

The term is often used in historical texts and discussions about imperial China, so it is generally more formal. Learners should avoid using it casually, as it can be sensitive. Common collocations include '阉人' (yānrén - eunuch) and '阉割' (yāngē - to castrate).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 阉 with similar-sounding characters, like 言 (yán - to speak). Ensure to remember that 阉 specifically relates to castration and eunuchs.

Write 阉

阉

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

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Word Family of 阉

Words containing this character3
阉yānneuter閹
阉割to castrate閹割
阉人a castrate閹人
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 阉

What does 阉割 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 阉

Eunuchs played crucial roles in the imperial courts, often involved in governance and palace intrigues.

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