Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
臃yōng(yong1)
The character 臃 (yōng) refers to something that is swollen, fat, or excessively bulky. It is often used to describe an overabundance of flesh or a cumbersome appearance, particularly in relation to body size. In a broader context, it can also imply things that are overly complex or convoluted.
Strokes17Radical⺼Frequency#92331DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions around body size can be sensitive, often influenced by traditional ideals of beauty. The term 臃肿 may appear in medical or health-related discussions, reflecting societal attitudes toward weight and wellness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, round balloon (representing 'swollen') that is so inflated that it can't fit through a door. The character 臃 has the '月' radical, which often relates to the body, reminding you that it conveys the idea of something being bloated or oversized.
Meanings of 臃
yōng(yong1)
1to swell up; swollen, fat
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 臃
臃Simplified
17Strokes
⺼Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 臃
Podcast: 臃
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 臃
Quick Contrast
臃 (yōng) vs 笨 (bèn) — use 臃 for describing excessive bulk or complexity, while 笨 refers to clumsiness or stupidity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, round balloon (representing 'swollen') that is so inflated that it can't fit through a door. The character 臃 has the '月' radical, which often relates to the body, reminding you that it conveys the idea of something being bloated or oversized.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 臃 with similar-sounding characters like 庸 (yōng), which means mediocre. This character is typically used in a more formal context, so avoid using it in casual conversations. It often collocates with 臃肿 (yōng zhǒng), which specifically refers to being overweight.
HSK Study Tips
While 臃 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be related to other descriptive characters in HSK levels 3 and 4, such as 肥 (féi), which also refers to fatness. Students should focus on understanding how this character can be used in relation to health and body image.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions around body size can be sensitive, often influenced by traditional ideals of beauty. The term 臃肿 may appear in medical or health-related discussions, reflecting societal attitudes toward weight and wellness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 臃 with similar characters, leading to incorrect usage, such as saying 臃胖 (yōng pàng) instead of 肥胖 (féi pàng) for 'overweight.' Remember to distinguish between descriptive contexts for clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 臃
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 臃 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 臃 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 臃
臃 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
亚历山德拉穿着那身过时的衣裳，显得____肿笨拙。
Alexandra looked plump and awkward in her cast-off clothing.
Example Sentences for 臃 (3)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
亚历山德拉穿着那身过时的衣裳，显得臃肿笨拙。
yà lì shān dé lā chuān zháo nà shēn guò shí de yī cháng， ， xiǎn dé yōng zhǒng bèn。
Alexandra looked plump and awkward in her cast-off clothing.
2
他是个形貌奇丑的人; 体形臃肿,圆头短颈.
tā shì gè xíng mào qí chǒu de rén; ; tǐ xíng yōng, zhǒng , yuán tóu.
He was a man of striking ugliness; fat with a bullet - head set on a short neck.
Physically, he was five feet in height, thickset and squarely built.
Cultural Notes for 臃
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions around body size can be sensitive, often influenced by traditional ideals of beauty. The term 臃肿 may appear in medical or health-related discussions, reflecting societal attitudes toward weight and wellness.
Word Family of 臃
Words Containing This Character2
臃肿obese臃腫
臃yōngobese
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 臃肿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 臃
While both can refer to fatness, 臃 specifically implies excessive bulk or awkwardness, whereas 肥 is a more general term for being fat.
Typically, 臃 carries a negative connotation, describing something unwieldy or excessive, so it is rarely used positively.
No, 臃 is more formal and often found in written texts, especially those discussing health or physical descriptions.
