Definitions

yuàn (noun) courtyard
yuàn (noun) institution; organization

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "院" is structured with the "阝" radical, which signifies a mound or elevated land, combined with the phonetic and semantic component "完" meaning complete, together implying a fully enclosed or bounded space. Its early usage referred specifically to a walled courtyard or compound within architectural complexes. Over time, the meaning broadened from denoting physical enclosed areas to representing the institutions or organizations that occupy such spaces, resulting in its contemporary use for establishments like academies, hospitals, and judicial courts.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我哥哥在医工作。

Wǒ gēge zài yīyuàn gōngzuò.

My older brother works at a hospital.

她考上了一所著名的学

Tā kǎoshàng le yī suǒ zhùmíng de xuéyuàn.

She was admitted to a famous college.

这个案件将在下周上法审理。

Zhège ànjiàn jiāng zài xià zhōu shàng fǎyuàn shěnlǐ.

This case will go to court for trial next week.

故宫博物收藏了许多珍贵文物。

Gùgōng Bówùyuàn shōucáng le xǔduō zhēnguì wénwù.

The Palace Museum houses many precious cultural relics.

我们在子里种了一棵苹果树。

Wǒmen zài yuànzi li zhòng le yī kē píngguǒ shù.

We planted an apple tree in the courtyard.

这家剧以演出经典话剧闻名。

Zhè jiā jùyuàn yǐ yǎnchū jīngdiǎn huàjù wénmíng.

This theater is famous for staging classic plays.

科学士们做出了重大贡献。

Kēxuéyuàn de yuànshì men zuò chūle zhòngdà gòngxiàn.

The academicians of the Academy of Sciences have made significant contributions.

该研究正在开发新的环保技术。

Gāi yánjiūyuàn zhèngzài kāifā xīn de huánbǎo jìshù.

That research institute is developing new environmental protection technologies.