Definitions

yàn to eat to the full

Etymology phono-semantic

eat

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

(traditional ) is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component is the radical , derived from ('food, eating'), which relates the character to meals and nourishment. In the simplified form appears on the left, while in traditional sits at the bottom. The phonetic element (traditional ) indicates the pronunciation. The original meaning is having eaten one's fill, complete satiety after dining. This concept of fullness then broadened into figurative usage, coming to express a general sense of satisfaction, contentment, or the complete fulfillment of a craving.