Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
厣(厴)yǎn(yan3)
The character 厣 (yǎn) refers to a shell or lid, often used in anatomical contexts to describe covering flaps or opercula. It can also denote protective surfaces in various biological structures. This term may not frequently appear in everyday language but is relevant in specialized fields such as biology and anatomy.
Strokes11Radical厂Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and biology, understanding the concept of coverings and shells is significant, as it relates to the protection and integrity of living organisms. The study of anatomy in Chinese culture places emphasis on the functions and structures of bodily coverings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clam shell (representing 厣) that protects the soft creature inside. Think of the character as a shell with a cover (the top part) and the bottom part resembling the opening of a shell. The pronunciation 'yǎn' sounds like 'yawn', as if the shell is yawning open to reveal what's inside.
Meanings of 厣
yǎn(yan3)
1shell
2operculum (Latin: little lid)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 厣
厣Simplified
厴Traditional
11Strokes
厂Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 厣
Podcast: 厣
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 厣
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clam shell (representing 厣) that protects the soft creature inside. Think of the character as a shell with a cover (the top part) and the bottom part resembling the opening of a shell. The pronunciation 'yǎn' sounds like 'yawn', as if the shell is yawning open to reveal what's inside.
Usage Notes
This character is quite specialized and is not commonly used in informal contexts. Be careful to use it in appropriate technical discussions, especially in biology or anatomy. Its tone is third (yǎn), which is often confused with the first tone; practice emphasizing the down-up intonation.
HSK Study Tips
Since 厣 (yǎn) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it may not connect directly with other HSK words. Instead, focus on learning related anatomical terms and how they are used in context. This will help you understand how 厣 fits into scientific discussions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and biology, understanding the concept of coverings and shells is significant, as it relates to the protection and integrity of living organisms. The study of anatomy in Chinese culture places emphasis on the functions and structures of bodily coverings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 厣 with similar characters like 盖 (gài), which means 'to cover'. For example, using 厣 in a sentence about a roof or general covering can be incorrect; instead, use 盖 for such contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 厣
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 厣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 厣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 厣
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine and biology, understanding the concept of coverings and shells is significant, as it relates to the protection and integrity of living organisms. The study of anatomy in Chinese culture places emphasis on the functions and structures of bodily coverings.
Word Family of 厣
Words Containing This Character1
厣yǎnoperculum (Latin: little lid)厴
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 厣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 厣
It is primarily used in scientific and medical contexts, especially when discussing anatomical features.
No, 厣 is not commonly used in everyday conversation and is more relevant in specialized fields.
Connect 'yǎn' with the image of a shell yawning open, as it helps link the sound to its meaning.
