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March 24, 2026
鼹(鼴)yǎn(yan3)
The character 鼹 (yǎn) refers to a mole, which is an insectivorous rodent known for its burrowing habits. Moles are often found underground and are recognized for their velvety fur and strong forelimbs used for digging. In a broader context, this term can be used in discussions about wildlife or the environment.
Strokes23Radical鼠Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, moles are sometimes seen as symbols of underground life and the hidden aspects of nature. Their presence is often noted in discussions about agriculture, as they can impact soil quality and pest control.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mole wearing a tiny hat, digging through the earth with its strong paws. The character 鼹 resembles a mole's burrow, with the '耳' (ear) component suggesting that it is a creature that is often hidden from sight, listening for insects. Remember 'yǎn' as 'yawn' to picture it snoozing underground.
Meanings of 鼹
yǎn(yan3)
1a kind of insectivorous rodent
2mole
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About 鼹
鼹Simplified
鼴Traditional
23Strokes
鼠Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鼹
Podcast: 鼹
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AI Study Notes for 鼹
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mole wearing a tiny hat, digging through the earth with its strong paws. The character 鼹 resembles a mole's burrow, with the '耳' (ear) component suggesting that it is a creature that is often hidden from sight, listening for insects. Remember 'yǎn' as 'yawn' to picture it snoozing underground.
Usage Notes
When using 鼹, be careful to maintain the correct pronunciation with a falling-rising tone (yǎn). It is primarily used in written contexts or formal discussions about animals and is not commonly used in everyday conversation. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that refer to different animals.
HSK Study Tips
Although 鼹 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be linked to HSK Level 3 or higher words like 动物 (dòngwù - animal) and 地下 (dìxià - underground). Learners should focus on pronunciation and recognizing it in context, especially in texts related to nature.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, moles are sometimes seen as symbols of underground life and the hidden aspects of nature. Their presence is often noted in discussions about agriculture, as they can impact soil quality and pest control.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鼹 with similar-sounding characters like 眼 (yǎn - eye) due to the tones. Always check the context, as using the wrong character can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鼹
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Grammar Patterns of 鼹
鼹 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 2 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.
yǎn shǔ mò mò dì bù tíng dì huá zháo, , hěn kuài huá dào le hé liú fēn chà.
In silence Mole rowed steadily, and soon they came to a point where the river divided.
Cultural Notes for 鼹
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, moles are sometimes seen as symbols of underground life and the hidden aspects of nature. Their presence is often noted in discussions about agriculture, as they can impact soil quality and pest control.
Word Family of 鼹
Words Containing This Character2
鼹鼠mole (zoology)鼴鼠
鼹yǎnmole鼴
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 鼹鼠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼹
It is pronounced 'yǎn' with a falling-rising tone.
No, it is more commonly found in written texts about animals or nature.
Moles are specifically burrowing insectivorous rodents, unlike other animals that might be more general or terrestrial.
