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尹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
yǐnto govern, to oversee; directornr, 4 strokes, radical 尸, rank #20238, Hard
yǐnsurname Yinunknown, 4 strokes, radical 尸, rank #20238, Hard
yǐnto rununknown, 4 strokes, radical 尸, rank #20238, Hard
yǐnmagistrate (old)unknown, 4 strokes, radical 尸, rank #20238, Hard
yǐn(Yin3) T3
  1. 1to govern, to oversee; director
  2. 2to run
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

yǐn(Yin3)

The character 尹 (yǐn) primarily means 'to govern' or 'to oversee.' It is often used to refer to positions of authority, such as a director or a magistrate in historical contexts. This character can also function as a surname, particularly 'Yin.'

Strokes4RadicalFrequency#20238DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In ancient China, magistrates like those referred to by 尹 played crucial roles in local governance and law enforcement, reflecting the importance of structured authority in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise official (represented by 尹) overseeing a large, bustling market. The top part resembles a roof, indicating authority and oversight, while the bottom part can remind you of a person standing with a staff in hand, governing the people below.

Meanings of 尹

yǐn(Yin3)
1to govern, to oversee; director
2to run
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 尹

Simplified
4Strokes
Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 尹

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 尹

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a wise official (represented by 尹) overseeing a large, bustling market. The top part resembles a roof, indicating authority and oversight, while the bottom part can remind you of a person standing with a staff in hand, governing the people below.

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 尹 is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simpler terms for 'to govern.' It is often found in historical texts or formal titles. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that denote different types of authority.

HSK Study Tips

Although 尹 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with characters related to governance and leadership found in HSK vocabulary. Focus on understanding its usage in formal contexts and differentiating it from commonly used synonyms.

Cultural Note

In ancient China, magistrates like those referred to by 尹 played crucial roles in local governance and law enforcement, reflecting the importance of structured authority in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 尹 with the character for 'to govern' (治, zhì) due to similar meanings. Remember that 尹 has a more historical or formal connotation, while 治 is more commonly used in contemporary contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 尹

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Etymology of 尹

Formation TypePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation

Depicts a hand (又) holding a staff, held by people in positions of authority.

Memory Hint

A scepter

Learn more about Pictograph (象形字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 尹?

Decomposition of 尹

IDS Structure⿻一尸
Full Character
=
yi1
outer
shi1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 尹?

Write 尹

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 尹

尹 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 4 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 2

Complete the Sentence

在商朝初年, 又出现了一支____姓支派.

In the early Shang Dynasty, has emerged a Yin sects.

Example Sentences for 尹 (2)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在商朝初年, 又出现了一支尹姓支派.

zài shāng zhāo chū nián, , yòu chū xiàn le yī zhī yǐn xìng zhī.

In the early Shang Dynasty, has emerged a Yin sects.
2
卓尹: 我好象吃过这道菜. 是有点辣 吗 ?

zhuó yǐn: : wǒ hǎo xiàng chī guò zhè dào. cài . shì yǒu diǎn?

Zoe: It'seems I have tasted that dish. Is it a little hot?

Cultural Notes for 尹

🏮Cultural insight

In ancient China, magistrates like those referred to by 尹 played crucial roles in local governance and law enforcement, reflecting the importance of structured authority in Chinese society.

Word Family of 尹

Words Containing This Character3
yǐnto run
府尹magistrate
陈恭尹Chen Gongyin (1631-1700), early Qing dynasty poet陳恭尹
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 尹 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 尹

No, 尹 is more formal and typically appears in historical or official contexts.