Definitions

yǐn (verb) to pull; to draw; to stretch
yǐn (verb) to cause; to incur
yǐn (verb) to lead; to guide
yǐn (verb) to attract; to involve

Etymology

Pictograph of a bowstring being pulled back.

About

The character 引 consists of two graphical elements: the component 弓, representing a curved bow, and the vertical stroke 丨, depicting the bowstring being pulled back. This action of drawing a bow forms the basis of its original meaning: to pull, draw, or stretch. From this physical concept, its meaning extended metaphorically to include guiding, leading, attracting attention, or quoting text.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这本书吸我。

Zhè běn shū xīyǐn wǒ.

This book attracts me.

用了一句名言。

Tā yǐnyòngle yī jù míngyán.

He quoted a famous saying.

新技术起了讨论。

Xīn jìshù yǐnqǐle tǎolùn.

The new technology sparked discussion.

公司进了外国设备。

Gōngsī yǐnjìnle wàiguó shèbèi.

The company imported foreign equipment.

导游导游客参观博物馆。

Dǎoyóu yǐndǎo yóukè cānguān bówùguǎn.

The tour guide leads tourists to visit the museum.

他的行为来了不少批评。

Tā de xíngwéi yǐn láile bùshǎo pīpíng.

His behavior has drawn a lot of criticism.

政府导企业向绿色发展。

Zhèngfǔ yǐndǎo qǐyè xiàng lǜsè fāzhǎn.

The government guides enterprises toward green development.

这项研究用了大量历史文献。

Zhè xiàng yánjiū yǐnyòngle dàliàng lìshǐ wénxiàn.

This research cites a large number of historical documents.