Definitions

yán (verb) to extend; to prolong; to delay
yán (adverb) along

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "延" originates from a pictographic representation of movement along a long path, with its traditional form comprising the radical "廴", suggesting a long stride or progression, combined with the component "正", which implies correctness or directness. This structure conveys the core idea of extension or prolongation in a deliberate, forward direction. While its fundamental meaning of "to prolong" or "to extend" has remained consistent, its application has broadened from describing physical length and distance to encompassing abstract concepts such as the extension of time, the postponement of events, and the invitation or drawing out of people or ideas. The character’s structural integrity, centered on the concept of continuous forward motion, has effectively supported this semantic expansion across its historical usage.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

会议长了五分钟。

Huìyì yánchángle wǔ fēnzhōng.

The meeting was extended by five minutes.

火车迟到达。

Huǒchē yánchí dàodá.

The train arrived late.

比赛因雨期。

Bǐsài yīn yǔ yánqī.

The game was postponed due to rain.

这条路伸到山里。

Zhè tiáo lù yánshēn dào shān lǐ.

This road extends into the mountains.

缓支付费用。

Qǐng yánhuǎn zhīfù fèiyòng.

Please delay the payment.

公司决定展业务。

Gōngsī juédìng yánzhǎn yèwù.

The company decided to expand its business.

他的影响及后代。

Tā de yǐngxiǎng yán jí hòudài.

His influence extends to future generations.

由于技术问题,项目不得不进一步迟。

Yóuyú jìshù wèntí, xiàngmù bùdé bù jìnyībù yánchí.

Due to technical issues, the project had to be further delayed.