Meanings of 燕
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Podcast: 燕
Podcast: 燕
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AI Study Notes for 燕
燕 (yān) vs 鸥 (ōu) — choose 燕 when referring to swallows, known for their graceful flight, rather than 鸥, which refers to gulls, typically associated with coastal environments.
燕 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in literary or poetic expressions. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it inappropriately in casual conversation. Collocations often include phrases related to love or nature, such as '燕子归来' (the swallows return).
While 燕 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to themes of nature and relationships prevalent in beginner-level words. Students should focus on recognizing its use in idiomatic expressions and poetry, as it enriches their understanding of cultural nuances.
Learners often confuse 燕 with similar characters like 鳥 (bird) or 宴 (banquet). For example, saying '我喜欢燕子' (I like banquet) instead of the correct usage referring to the bird. Always ensure context aligns with nature when using 燕.
Pronunciation of 燕
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Jason Explains 燕 to You
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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 燕
A swallow, with its head 廿, wings 北, and tail 灬
Origin
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Decomposition of 燕
Parts
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How to say surname Yan in Chinese
“surname Yan” in Chinese is燕
燕 (yān) primarily refers to the swallow, a type of bird known for its graceful flight and association with love and fidelity. It can also denote the ancient vassal state of Yan during the Zhou dynasty, as well as serve as a surname. This character carries connotations of beauty and romance, often used in poetry and literature.
When to use 燕
燕 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in literary or poetic expressions. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it inappropriately in casual conversation. Collocations often include phrases related to love or nature, such as '燕子归来' (the swallows return).
燕 or something close to it
燕 (yān) vs 鸥 (ōu) — choose 燕 when referring to swallows, known for their graceful flight, rather than 鸥, which refers to gulls, typically associated with coastal environments.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 燕 with similar characters like 鳥 (bird) or 宴 (banquet). For example, saying '我喜欢燕子' (I like banquet) instead of the correct usage referring to the bird. Always ensure context aligns with nature when using 燕.
Write 燕
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Practice writing 燕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 燕
燕 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 7 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.
崖沙____是一种褐羽白腹的鸟。
The sand martin is a brown bird with white underneath.
Example Sentences for 燕 (15)
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Cultural Notes for 燕
In Western cultures, swallows also symbolize love and fidelity, but they may not hold the same cultural significance or poetic associations found in Chinese literature.
Word Family of 燕
Words with 燕
What does 燕麦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 燕
燕 can also refer to the ancient vassal state of Yan and is used as a surname.
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