Meanings of 宴
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About 宴
Podcast: 宴
Podcast: 宴
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AI study notes for 宴
宴 (yàn) vs 聚 (jù) — choose 宴 for formal banquets or feasts, while 聚 refers to gatherings that may not involve a meal.
Learners often confuse 宴 with similar characters like 饭 (fàn, rice/meal), leading to misinterpretation of contexts. 宴 is more formal and should be used in celebratory or official contexts. Remember to maintain the fourth tone when pronouncing it to avoid confusion with other words.
Although 宴 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to themes of social interactions and dining that appear in HSK Level 3 and above. Focus on using 宴 in sentences related to celebrations or gatherings to reinforce your understanding of social vocabulary.
Learners often mistakenly use 宴 in casual settings, such as inviting friends over for dinner. Instead, use 宴 for formal invitations. For example, saying '我们今晚宴请你' (We invite you to a banquet tonight) is correct, but saying '我们今晚宴' (We're having a banquet tonight) sounds awkward.
Pronunciation of 宴
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Jason Explains 宴 to you
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Learning Lab
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 宴
A woman 女 cooking food 日 for a house 宀 banquet
Origin
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Decomposition of 宴
Parts
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How to say feast in Chinese
“feast” in Chinese is宴
The character 宴 (yàn) refers to a banquet or feast, often associated with celebratory gatherings involving food and drink. It can also imply a sense of repose or leisure, indicating a time for relaxation and enjoyment. This term is commonly used in formal contexts, such as weddings or significant celebrations.
When to use 宴
Learners often confuse 宴 with similar characters like 饭 (fàn, rice/meal), leading to misinterpretation of contexts. 宴 is more formal and should be used in celebratory or official contexts. Remember to maintain the fourth tone when pronouncing it to avoid confusion with other words.
宴 or something close to it
宴 (yàn) vs 聚 (jù) — choose 宴 for formal banquets or feasts, while 聚 refers to gatherings that may not involve a meal.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 宴 in casual settings, such as inviting friends over for dinner. Instead, use 宴 for formal invitations. For example, saying '我们今晚宴请你' (We invite you to a banquet tonight) is correct, but saying '我们今晚宴' (We're having a banquet tonight) sounds awkward.
Write 宴
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Practice writing 宴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 宴
宴 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
希拉身着一件黑色针织上装来参加晚____。
Sheila had come to dinner in a black jersey top.
Common confusions with 宴
Different meanings but similar pronunciation.
Which one
Which one means “feast”?
Usage Notes for 宴
The character '宴' should be used specifically in contexts involving feasts or banquets. Avoid using it in unrelated contexts.
我们将举办一场盛大的宴。
We will hold a grand feast.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我们将举办一场盛大的____。
We will hold a grand feast.
Example sentences for 宴 (10)
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Word Family of 宴
Words with 宴
What does 宴会 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 宴
While 宴 is primarily used in formal contexts, you can mention it in discussions about events or celebrations.
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