Meanings of 燕
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About 燕
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.
Imagine a graceful swallow (燕) soaring in the sky. The character has a 'wing' on top (the radical 燕) symbolizing flight, while the base suggests its smooth, flowing movement. Picture the swallow returning home to its loved one, making it easier to remember both the sound 'yān' and its meaning related to love and freedom.
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.
In Chinese culture, the swallow is a symbol of spring and fertility, often associated with love and the return of good fortune. The arrival of swallows is celebrated as a sign of new beginnings, making it a popular motif in traditional poetry.
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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Etymology of 燕
A swallow, with its head 廿, wings 北, and tail 灬
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 燕
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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.
Complete the Sentence
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 (10)
Cultural Notes for 燕
In Chinese culture, the swallow is a symbol of spring and fertility, often associated with love and the return of good fortune. The arrival of swallows is celebrated as a sign of new beginnings, making it a popular motif in traditional poetry.
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
Compound Meaning
What does 燕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 燕
燕 can also refer to the ancient vassal state of Yan and is used as a surname.