Meanings of 硯
By ear
Play it, then pick what 硯 means.
About 硯
Podcast: 硯
Podcast: 硯
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 硯
In formal settings, 硯 is often associated with traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, so it's best to use it in contexts related to arts or education. Be careful with the tone; 'yàn' is pronounced with a falling tone, which is different from 'yan' (烟, smoke). Common phrases include 硯台 (yàntái, inkstone stand) and 硯水 (yànshuǐ, ink water).
While 硯 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other words related to writing and art, such as 墨 (mò, ink) and 毛笔 (máobǐ, brush). Focus on pronunciation and character recognition to enhance your calligraphy vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 硯 with similar characters like 颜 (yán, face) or 演 (yǎn, perform), which have different meanings. Always remember that 硯 specifically relates to the tool for ink preparation.
Pronunciation of 硯
Drill the tone of 硯, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 硯 to you
Let me explain 硯 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 硯 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 硯?
Learning Lab
Knowing 硯 is seven skills, not one.
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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 硯
Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 见 represents the sound. Simplified form of 硯.
stone
Origin
硯 = 石 + 見. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 硯
Parts
Which of these is part of 硯?
How to say inkstone in Chinese
“inkstone” in Chinese is硯
硯 (yàn) refers to an inkstone, a traditional tool used in Chinese calligraphy for grinding ink. It is often made of stone and has a smooth surface, allowing for the preparation of ink from solid ink sticks. Inkstones are commonly used in scholarly and artistic contexts, emphasizing the importance of calligraphy in Chinese culture.
When to use 硯
In formal settings, 硯 is often associated with traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, so it's best to use it in contexts related to arts or education. Be careful with the tone; 'yàn' is pronounced with a falling tone, which is different from 'yan' (烟, smoke). Common phrases include 硯台 (yàntái, inkstone stand) and 硯水 (yànshuǐ, ink water).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 硯 with similar characters like 颜 (yán, face) or 演 (yǎn, perform), which have different meanings. Always remember that 硯 specifically relates to the tool for ink preparation.
Write 硯
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 硯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 硯?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 硯
Words with 硯
What does 砚台 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 硯
An inkstone is used to grind ink sticks into liquid ink, essential for calligraphy and painting.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 硯?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.