Definitions

yān used in 懨懨|恹恹[yān yān]

Etymology phono-semantic

heart

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character , the simplified form of traditional , is composed of the heart radical on the left, indicating it belongs to the realm of emotional and physical states, and the phonetic component (traditional ) on the right. Its meaning centers on weariness, weakness, listlessness, and a lack of energy, especially as associated with chronic illness. It commonly describes the frail appearance or lethargic demeanour brought on by sickness or prolonged mental fatigue. To intensify this sense of languor, the character is often used in reduplicated form (恹恹).