Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
阴(陰)yīn(yin1)
The character 阴 (yīn) primarily denotes concepts associated with darkness and concealment. It can describe overcast weather, represent the feminine aspect in Yin and Yang philosophy, or refer to something implicit or hidden. Commonly used in both everyday language and philosophical contexts, it emphasizes the notion of the negative or receptive force.
Strokes6Radical阝Frequency#5247DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 阴 (yīn) is not just about the negative; it is part of the Yin-Yang philosophy that represents balance in nature, with Yin symbolizing intuition, darkness, and femininity. This duality is pivotal in understanding traditional Chinese medicine and Feng Shui.
Memory Tip
Imagine a moon hidden behind dark clouds, symbolizing 阴 (yīn). The character has the radical 阝 (ear) suggesting 'place' or 'area' where things can be obscured, connecting to the idea of being shaded or concealed.
Meanings of 阴
yīn(yin1)
1overcast (weather)
2cloudy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 阴
阴Simplified
陰Traditional
6Strokes
阝Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#5247Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 阴
Podcast: 阴
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 阴
Quick Contrast
阴 (yīn) vs 暗 (àn): Use 阴 when referring to the concept of concealment or the feminine aspect, while 暗 specifically denotes darkness in a more literal sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a moon hidden behind dark clouds, symbolizing 阴 (yīn). The character has the radical 阝 (ear) suggesting 'place' or 'area' where things can be obscured, connecting to the idea of being shaded or concealed.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 阴 (yīn) with 阳 (yáng), which represents light, masculinity, and openness. This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it’s essential to choose the right tone depending on the situation. Common collocations include 阴天 (cloudy day) and 阴影 (shadow).
HSK Study Tips
As HSK Level 2 vocabulary, 阴 connects well with other basic weather-related terms and concepts of opposites like 阳 (yáng). Focus on using it in descriptive sentences about weather or in philosophical discussions about Yin and Yang.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 阴 (yīn) is not just about the negative; it is part of the Yin-Yang philosophy that represents balance in nature, with Yin symbolizing intuition, darkness, and femininity. This duality is pivotal in understanding traditional Chinese medicine and Feng Shui.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 阴 (yīn) with 陰 (yīn), the variant form, leading to confusion about its usage. Always ensure you use 阴 for simplified Chinese contexts. Another common mistake is using it incorrectly in phrases, such as saying '阴光' instead of '阳光' for sunlight.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阴
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 阴 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
The traditional characters 陰 (Yin) and 陽 (Yang) were simplified to 阴 and 阳. In Chinese philosophy, the moon (月) corresponds to Yin (阴) and the sun (日) corresponds to Yang (阳).
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 阴 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 阴
阴 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 12 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.
So far 57 have taken the test and all have been negative.
8
那是个阴冷的下午。
nà shì gè yīn lěng de xià wǔ。
It was a chilly afternoon.
9
那是阴郁灰暗、潮湿多雨的一天。
nà shì yīn yù huī àn、 、 cháo shī duō yǔ de yī。
It was a grey, wet, miserable day.
10
那一日阴天下雨沉闷无聊。
nà yī rì yīn tiān xià yǔ chén mèn wú liáo。
It was a wet and gloomy day.
Cultural Notes for 阴
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 阴 (yīn) is not just about the negative; it is part of the Yin-Yang philosophy that represents balance in nature, with Yin symbolizing intuition, darkness, and femininity. This duality is pivotal in understanding traditional Chinese medicine and Feng Shui.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While Yin is often associated with feminine and negative qualities in Chinese philosophy, Western cultures may not have a direct equivalent that emphasizes a dualistic balance of opposites in the same way.
Word Family of 阴
Compounds1
荫yin1shade, shelter; to protect
Words Containing This Character20
阴yīncloudy陰
阴谋yīnmóuplot陰謀
阴影yīnyǐng(lit. and fig.) shadow陰影
阴道vagina陰道
阴性yīnxìngnegative陰性
阴茎penis陰莖
阴暗yīn’àndim陰暗
阴阳yin and yang陰陽
阴险treacherous陰險
光阴time available光陰
阴沉gloomy陰沉
阴霾haze陰霾
阴天yīntiāncloudy day陰天
阴郁gloomy陰鬱
阴部genitalia陰部
阴冷gloomy and cold陰冷
阴间Hades陰間
阴囊scrotum陰囊
阴森gloomy陰森
阴暗面the dark side (of society etc)陰暗面
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 荫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 阴
阴 (yīn) represents the dark, passive, and feminine aspects, while 阳 (yáng) signifies light, active, and masculine qualities, forming a complementary relationship.
You can say '今天是阴天' (Jīntiān shì yīn tiān) meaning 'Today is a cloudy day'.
Yes, 阴 can describe something that is implicit or concealed, often used in contexts discussing secrets or hidden meanings.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 阴?
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.
