Definitions

yàn (adjective) accomplished; elegant

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts being accomplished in both literature () and military skill (). is a phonetic component.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

彦 (traditional: 彥) conveys elegance, talent, and accomplishment, especially for scholars or virtuous individuals. Its traditional form combines 彣, representing cultural refinement or literary talent, with the radical 厂 (cliff). The simplified version modifies the upper portion to resemble the top of 产, removing the 文 element but keeping the 彡 strokes below. Originally, it denoted a highly educated, refined, and talented person, often used honorifically for outstanding scholars of great moral and intellectual standing. Though less common as a standalone noun today, it remains popular in personal names, symbolizing hopes for a cultured and capable individual.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是我的好朋友。

Yàn shì wǒ de hǎo péngyou.

Yan is my good friend.

来自北京。

Jùnyàn lái zì Běijīng.

Junyan comes from Beijing.

同学学习很努力。

Yàn tóngxué xuéxí hěn nǔlì.

Classmate Yan studies very hard.

这位士很有才华。

Zhè wèi yànshì hěn yǒu cáihuá.

This scholar is very talented.

公司招聘了许多俊

Gōngsī zhāopìn le xǔduō jùnyàn.

The company recruited many outstanding talents.

的演讲深受大家欢迎。

Yàn de yǎnjiǎng shēn shòu dàjiā huānyíng.

Yan's speech is deeply welcomed by everyone.

在古代,士通常受到尊重。

Zài gǔdài, yànshì tōngcháng shòu dào zūnzhòng.

In ancient times, scholars were usually respected.

这位年轻士的创新思想令人钦佩。

Zhè wèi niánqīng yànshì de chuàngxīn sīxiǎng lìng rén qīnpèi.

The innovative thinking of this young scholar is admirable.