Definitions

yàn to extend condolences

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

This phono-semantic compound combines the mouth radical 口 on the left, indicating speech, with 言 on the right as a phonetic element that also reinforces the concept of spoken words. The character specifically denotes the formal social act of offering condolences, expressing verbal sympathy and comfort to the relatives of the deceased. The structure highlights that this consolation is fundamentally delivered through spoken words, a meaning it has consistently held throughout its history.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern