Definitions

yàn (noun) flame

Etymology phono-semantic

fire

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "焰", representing flame, is etymologically derived from the fire radical and the phonetic element "臽", which together provide both meaning and pronunciation cues, with its left-right structure consistently highlighting its association with combustion and illumination. Originally denoting the luminous, wavering tip of a fire, its semantic scope expanded to encompass any intense blaze, and over time it acquired figurative dimensions in constructs describing ardor or imposing behavior. The traditional form of the character retains the same compositional elements, underscoring a prolonged orthographic continuity where its visual design has steadfastly corresponded to its core concept.

Example Sentences Hide

很明亮。

Huǒyàn hěn míngliàng.

The flame is very bright.

火在夜空中绽放。

Yànhuǒ zài yèkōng zhōng zhànfàng.

Fireworks bloom in the night sky.

他的气很嚣张。

Tā de qìyàn hěn xiāozhāng.

His arrogance is very rampant.

蜡烛的火在跳动。

Làzhú de huǒyàn zài tiàodòng.

The candle's flame is flickering.

的温度非常高。

Huǒyàn de wēndù fēicháng gāo.

The temperature of the flame is very high.

火虽然美丽,但也很危险。

Yànhuǒ suīrán měilì, dàn yě hěn wēixiǎn.

Although fireworks are beautiful, they are also dangerous.

当他看到火时,立刻跑了过去。

Dāng tā kàndào huǒyàn shí, lìkè pǎo le guòqù.

When he saw the flame, he immediately ran over.

那场大火的光照亮了半边天。

Nà chǎng dàhuǒ de guāngyàn zhàoliàng le bàn biān tiān.

The blaze of that big fire illuminated half the sky.