About
酽 (yàn) is a phono-semantic compound and the simplified form of 釅. It combines the 'wine vessel' radical 酉 (yǒu) with 严 (yán), the simplified version of 嚴. 酉 signals the semantic domain of alcohol and fermented drinks, while 严 contributes both the idea of 'hard' or 'strict' and the sound, underscoring the character's meaning of concentrated strength. It is used as an adjective for potent liquor or dark, heavily steeped tea, and its simplification greatly reduced the number of strokes on the right side.
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.