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March 24, 2026
吟yín(yin2)
The character 吟 (yín) primarily means to chant or recite, often in the context of poetry or ancient songs. It can also refer to the sounds made by certain animals and insects, conveying a sense of vocal expression. This word is commonly used in literary contexts and can imply a deeper emotional resonance when reciting verses.
Strokes7Radical口Frequency#11528DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, poetry has a historical significance, often associated with scholars and the literati. The act of 吟 poetry reflects not just a recitation but also a cultural appreciation of the beauty and rhythm of the language, embodying a connection to nature and emotion.
Memory Tip
Imagine a singer on stage, passionately吟 (yín) a beautiful poem. The '口' (mouth) radical reminds you that this action involves vocal expression, while the '吟' shape resembles a wave of sound flowing from the mouth, creating a harmonious chant.
Meanings of 吟
yín(yin2)
1to chant
2to recite
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 吟
吟Simplified
7Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11528Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 吟
Podcast: 吟
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AI Study Notes for 吟
Quick Contrast
吟 (yín) vs 唱 (chàng) — use 吟 for reciting poetry or ancient songs, while 唱 is for singing more general songs.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a singer on stage, passionately吟 (yín) a beautiful poem. The '口' (mouth) radical reminds you that this action involves vocal expression, while the '吟' shape resembles a wave of sound flowing from the mouth, creating a harmonious chant.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 吟 (yín) with similar-sounding characters like 吟 (yín) and 忍 (rěn), which can lead to mispronunciation. This word is typically used in literary or formal contexts, so it's important to use it appropriately to avoid sounding out of place. Common collocations include 吟诗 (chant poetry) and 吟唱 (sing or hum).
HSK Study Tips
While 吟 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your appreciation of Chinese poetry and literature, which are essential themes in advanced studies. Focus on its pronunciation and usage in literary texts to better grasp its nuances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, poetry has a historical significance, often associated with scholars and the literati. The act of 吟 poetry reflects not just a recitation but also a cultural appreciation of the beauty and rhythm of the language, embodying a connection to nature and emotion.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 吟 as 'yīn' (with a flat tone), which can change its meaning. It's crucial to practice the correct rising tone 'yín' to convey the intended expression.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吟
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Grammar Patterns of 吟
吟 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 8 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
理查德叔叔____诵了《圣经》中的一章，又即兴作了一段祈祷文。
Uncle Richard intoned a chapter from the Bible and improvised a prayer.
Example Sentences for 吟 (8)
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1
理查德叔叔吟诵了《圣经》中的一章，又即兴作了一段祈祷文。
lǐ chá dé shū shū yín sòng le《 《 shèng》 jīng 》 zhōng de， yī zhāng ， yòu jí xīng zuò le yī duàn。
Uncle Richard intoned a chapter from the Bible and improvised a prayer.
2
陈君宜和 朱吟 秋对看着皱了眉头.
chén jūn yí hé zhū yín qiū duì kàn zháo zhòu le.
Chen Chun - yi and Chu Yin - chiu looked at one another and frowned.
3
朱吟秋也学着样.
zhū yín qiū yě xué zháo yàng.
Seeing him get up, Chu Yin - chiu followed suit.
4
他要是捞不到朱吟秋的干茧, 可就有点窘, —— ”
tā yào shì lāo bù dào zhū yín qiū de gān jiǎn, , kě jiù yǒu diǎn,——”
If he doesn't get Chu Yin - chiu's cocoons, he'll be in a bit of a jam - "
Chu Yin - chiu was the first to see them, and he could not suppress a start.
6
朱吟 秋和陈君宜竟拍起掌来,也放大了喉咙笑.
zhū yín qiū hé chén jūn yí jìng pāi qǐ zhǎng, lái , yě fàng dà le hóu.
Chu Yin - chiu and Chen Chun - yi applauded gleefully and roared with laughter.
7
冷飕飕的风吹动着他周边的矮树丛，沙沙声刚好盖过了吟唱的声音。
lěng sōu sōu de fēng chuī dòng zháo tā zhōu biān de ǎi shù cóng， ， shā shā shēng gāng hǎo gài guò le yín chàng de shēng。
The cold breeze moved through the bushes around him, whispering just loud enough to obscure the chanting.
8
蜜蜂在鲜红的罂粟花和艳紫的蓟草花之间飞舞嗡嗡低吟.
mì fēng zài xiān hóng de yīng sù huā hé yàn zǐ de jì cǎo huā zhī jiān fēi wǔ wēng wēng dī yín.
Bees moved , humming thoughtfully , from scarlet poppy to purple thistle.
Cultural Notes for 吟
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, poetry has a historical significance, often associated with scholars and the literati. The act of 吟 poetry reflects not just a recitation but also a cultural appreciation of the beauty and rhythm of the language, embodying a connection to nature and emotion.
Word Family of 吟
Words Containing This Character12
呻吟shēnyínto moan
吟yínto chant
沉吟to mutter to oneself irresolutely
吟唱to chant
吟诗to recite poetry吟詩
吟诵to read aloud吟誦
笑吟吟smiling
吟咏to recite吟詠
无病呻吟to moan about imaginary illness無病呻吟
吟哦to chant
吟风弄月lit. singing of the wind and the moon; fig. vacuous and sentimental (of poetry or art)吟風弄月
讴吟song謳吟
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 呻吟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 吟
It is pronounced as 'yín', with a rising tone similar to the English word 'yen'.
While it can technically be used, 吟 is more appropriate in literary or artistic contexts rather than casual conversation.
Related terms include 吟唱 (to chant or sing) and 吟咏 (to recite poetry).
