Definitions

yàn (noun) feast; banquet
yàn (verb) repose; rest

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "peace and happiness". The meaning later shifted to "banquet", "feast", and "to entertain".

About

The character 宴, representing a feast or banquet, combines the roof radical 宀 with the component 妟 to convey the idea of a sheltered and comfortable gathering for dining. Its etymology points to an initial emphasis on peaceful entertainment within a domestic setting, where meals were shared in a leisurely and congenial atmosphere. Over time, the meaning extended beyond private hospitality to include any formal or celebratory meal, often associated with hosting guests and communal celebration. This evolution maintained the character's inherent connection to conviviality and ease, reflecting how its structural elements continue to inform its usage in describing both the event and the state of tranquil enjoyment.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们准备举办一场会。

Wǒmen zhǔnbèi jǔbàn yī chǎng yànhuì.

We are preparing to host a banquet.

他设款待远道而来的朋友。

Tā shè yàn kuǎndài yuǎndào ér lái de péngyou.

He hosted a feast to entertain the friends who came from afar.

婚礼后的席非常丰盛。

Hūnlǐ hòu de yànxí fēicháng fēngshèng.

The wedding banquet after the ceremony was very sumptuous.

公司在五星级酒店请重要客户。

Gōngsī zài wǔxīngjí jiǔdiàn yànqǐng zhòngyào kèhù.

The company hosted an important client at a five-star hotel.

这场庆功充满了欢乐的气氛。

Zhè chǎng qìnggōng yàn chōngmǎn le huānlè de qìfēn.

This victory celebration banquet was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

国王在宫殿里大群臣。

Guówáng zài gōngdiàn lǐ dà yàn qúnchén.

The king held a grand feast for all his ministers in the palace.

小说中描写了贵族奢华的饮场面。

Xiǎoshuō zhōng miáoxiě le guìzú shēhuá de yànyǐn chǎngmiàn.

The novel depicts the luxurious feasting scenes of the aristocracy.

此次国旨在促进两国间的友好关系。

Cǐ cì guóyàn zhǐ zài cùjìn liǎng guó jiān de yǒuhǎo guānxì.

This state banquet aims to promote friendly relations between the two countries.