Meanings of 閹
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Podcast: 閹
Podcast: 閹
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AI study notes for 閹
This term is quite formal and is rarely used in casual conversation. Common collocations include '閹人' (yān rén) meaning 'eunuch' and '閹割' (yān gē) meaning 'to castrate'. Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone may lead to misunderstandings.
Although not an HSK vocabulary word, learners should note its historical context. Understanding related terms such as '王' (wáng, king) and '朝廷' (cháo tíng, court) can provide deeper insights into the role of eunuchs in Chinese history.
Learners may confuse '閹' with similar-sounding words or use it incorrectly in modern contexts. For example, saying '我昨天閹了一只狗' (I castrated a dog yesterday) is awkward; instead, use '我昨天给狗去势' which is more appropriate.
Pronunciation of 閹
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Etymology of 閹
Phonosemantic compound. 门 represents the meaning and 奄 represents the sound. Simplified form of 閹.
gate
Origin
閹 = 門 + 奄. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 閹
Parts
Which of these is part of 閹?
How to say eunuch; to castrate in Chinese
“eunuch; to castrate” in Chinese is閹
The character 閹 (yān) refers to a eunuch, a man who has been castrated, often serving in royal courts. It can also mean to castrate in a broader sense, reflecting historical practices in imperial China where eunuchs held significant power and influence. The term is often used in discussions about historical governance and social structures.
When to use 閹
This term is quite formal and is rarely used in casual conversation. Common collocations include '閹人' (yān rén) meaning 'eunuch' and '閹割' (yān gē) meaning 'to castrate'. Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone may lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse '閹' with similar-sounding words or use it incorrectly in modern contexts. For example, saying '我昨天閹了一只狗' (I castrated a dog yesterday) is awkward; instead, use '我昨天给狗去势' which is more appropriate.
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Word Family of 閹
Characters with 閹
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Frequently asked questions about 閹
No, '閹' is primarily used in historical contexts and discussions about imperial China.
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