Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
阉(閹)yān(yan1)
The character 阉 (yān) primarily refers to a eunuch, a man who has been castrated, historically seen in contexts such as royal courts in ancient China. It can also mean 'to castrate' and is used in discussions about gender and biology, particularly in veterinary contexts or discussions of neutering animals.
Strokes11Radical门Frequency#12812DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, eunuchs held significant power in the imperial court, often acting as trusted advisors or guardians of the emperor's harem. The practice of castration was linked to social status and control within the palace.
Memory Tip
Imagine a man (representing '男') behind a wall (the radical '阝' representing a place or barrier) who has been separated from his ability to reproduce. The sound 'yān' can be remembered by associating it with a 'yawn' of sadness for the loss of masculinity.
Meanings of 阉
yān(yan1)
1eunuch; to castrate
2a castrate
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 阉
阉Simplified
閹Traditional
11Strokes
门Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 阉
Podcast: 阉
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 阉
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a man (representing '男') behind a wall (the radical '阝' representing a place or barrier) who has been separated from his ability to reproduce. The sound 'yān' can be remembered by associating it with a 'yawn' of sadness for the loss of masculinity.
Usage Notes
The term is often used in historical texts and discussions about imperial China, so it is generally more formal. Learners should avoid using it casually, as it can be sensitive. Common collocations include '阉人' (yānrén - eunuch) and '阉割' (yāngē - to castrate).
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the official HSK vocabulary, 阉 can be connected to HSK Level 5 vocabulary related to gender and animals. Students should focus on its historical context and how it relates to discussions of masculinity in Chinese culture.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, eunuchs held significant power in the imperial court, often acting as trusted advisors or guardians of the emperor's harem. The practice of castration was linked to social status and control within the palace.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 阉 with similar-sounding characters, like 言 (yán - to speak). Ensure to remember that 阉 specifically relates to castration and eunuchs.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阉
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 阉 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 阉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 阉
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, eunuchs held significant power in the imperial court, often acting as trusted advisors or guardians of the emperor's harem. The practice of castration was linked to social status and control within the palace.
Word Family of 阉
Words Containing This Character3
阉yānneuter閹
阉割to castrate閹割
阉人a castrate閹人
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 阉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 阉
Eunuchs played crucial roles in the imperial courts, often involved in governance and palace intrigues.
While it may appear in veterinary contexts regarding neutering, it is less commonly used in everyday speech.
Yes, terms like '阉割' (to castrate) and '阉人' (eunuch) are relevant and often encountered.
