Definitions

yàn variant of 焰[yàn]

Etymology

Many fires  burning

About

triples the fire radical () in a triangle: one above, two below, intensifying the idea of fire into a scene of many flames, sparks, or a conflagration. It echoes the sound and meaning of single fire and (double fire), but the tripling emphasizes numerous fires and their upward leap. The character appears mainly in classical literature and in personal names signifying brightness or heat.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern