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March 24, 2026
延缓(延緩)yánhuǎn(yan2huan3)
延缓 (yan2 huan3) means to delay, defer, or postpone something. It is often used in contexts such as delaying a decision, slowing down a process, or retarding progress. This term conveys a sense of taking more time than usual to complete an action or reach a conclusion.
Frequency#16812DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 延缓 is often linked to the importance of careful decision-making and the value placed on thoroughness, especially in business contexts. It reflects a preference for taking time to ensure that choices are well-considered.
Memory Tip
Imagine a snail (the radical 亻, meaning 'person') carrying a heavy backpack that says 'delay' on it. The snail moves slowly, embodying the meaning of 延缓, which also sounds like 'yawn'—a metaphor for taking your time and slowing down.
Meanings of 延缓
yánhuǎn(yan2huan3)
1to defer
2to postpone
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About 延缓
延缓Simplified
延緩Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 延缓
Podcast: 延缓
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AI Study Notes for 延缓
Quick Contrast
拖延 (tuōyán) - use 延缓 when the emphasis is on slowing down a process, while 拖延 suggests procrastination or an unwillingness to act.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a snail (the radical 亻, meaning 'person') carrying a heavy backpack that says 'delay' on it. The snail moves slowly, embodying the meaning of 延缓, which also sounds like 'yawn'—a metaphor for taking your time and slowing down.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 延缓 with 促进 (cù jìn), which means to promote or expedite something. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about projects or timelines. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms might suffice.
HSK Study Tips
While 延缓 is not an HSK word, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to time and actions. Focus on the usage of time-related verbs and how they interact with nouns in sentences. Understanding this term can enhance your ability to discuss planning and scheduling.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 延缓 is often linked to the importance of careful decision-making and the value placed on thoroughness, especially in business contexts. It reflects a preference for taking time to ensure that choices are well-considered.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 延缓 with 取消 (qǔ xiāo, 'to cancel'). For example, saying '我想延缓这个会议' (Wǒ xiǎng yán huǎn zhège huìyì) suggests delaying a meeting, while '我想取消这个会议' means to cancel it entirely. Pay attention to the difference in meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 延缓
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Cultural Notes for 延缓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 延缓 is often linked to the importance of careful decision-making and the value placed on thoroughness, especially in business contexts. It reflects a preference for taking time to ensure that choices are well-considered.
Frequently Asked Questions about 延缓
Some synonyms include 推迟 (tuī chí), meaning 'to postpone', and 延迟 (yán chí), which also means 'to delay'. These can often be used interchangeably depending on the context.
Yes, 延缓 is used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly in formal discussions about timelines and processes.
While you can use 延缓 in everyday conversations, it is more appropriate in formal or semi-formal contexts. For casual conversations, simpler terms like 等等 (děng děng, 'to wait') might be more suitable.
