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靥 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
靥yèdimplesg, 15 strokes, radical 厂, rank #35173, Very Hard
靥yèdimpleunknown, 15 strokes, radical 厂, rank #35173, Very Hard
yè(ye4)ye T4
  1. 1dimples
  2. 2dimple
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March 24, 2026

靥(靨)yè(ye4)

The character 靥 (yè) refers specifically to dimples, which are small indentations that can appear on the cheeks when a person smiles. It conveys a sense of charm and beauty in facial features, often associated with youthfulness and attractiveness. In literature and poetry, it may also symbolize playfulness or flirtation.

Strokes15Radical厂Frequency#35173DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, beauty standards often emphasize features like dimples as signs of cuteness and charm. Dimples are sometimes associated with good fortune, making them a desirable trait in social contexts.

Memory tip

Imagine a smiling face with cute dimples. The character 靥 has a radical that looks like a smiley face, reminding you of the joy associated with dimples. Think of 'yè' as 'yeah!' when you see someone with charming dimples.

Meanings of 靥

yè(ye4)
1dimples
2dimple
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 靥

靥Simplified
靨Traditional
15Strokes
厂Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 靥

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Podcast: 靥

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AI study notes for 靥

Usage Notes

While the term 靥 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it may appear in poetry or descriptions of beauty. Be careful not to confuse it with other words for facial features like '脸' (liǎn, face) or '眼' (yǎn, eye). The tone is critical; make sure to pronounce it with a falling tone (yè).

HSK Study Tips

Though 靥 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your appreciation of Chinese poetry and literature. Students at lower levels should focus on mastering basic facial feature vocabulary before exploring more nuanced terms like 靥.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 靥 with other terms for facial features, such as '酒窝' (jiǔwō, which also means dimple but is more common). Remember, 靥 is more literary and less frequently used in conversation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 靥

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Etymology of 靥

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

Phonosemantic compound. 面 represents the meaning and 厌 represents the sound. Simplified form of 靨.

Memory hint

face

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

Origin

靥 = 面 + 厌. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 靥

IDS Structure⿸厌面
靥Full character
=
厌yan4
enclosing
面mian4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 靥?

How to say dimples in Chinese

“dimples” in Chinese is靥yè

The character 靥 (yè) refers specifically to dimples, which are small indentations that can appear on the cheeks when a person smiles. It conveys a sense of charm and beauty in facial features, often associated with youthfulness and attractiveness. In literature and poetry, it may also symbolize playfulness or flirtation.

When to use 靥

While the term 靥 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it may appear in poetry or descriptions of beauty. Be careful not to confuse it with other words for facial features like '脸' (liǎn, face) or '眼' (yǎn, eye). The tone is critical; make sure to pronounce it with a falling tone (yè).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 靥 with other terms for facial features, such as '酒窝' (jiǔwō, which also means dimple but is more common). Remember, 靥 is more literary and less frequently used in conversation.

Write 靥

靥

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

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Word Family of 靥

Words containing this character2
靥yèdimple靨
笑靥dimple笑靨
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 靥

What does 笑靥 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 靥

No, 靥 is more poetic and is rarely used in everyday speech.

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