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岸然 (àn rán) — (literary, verb phrase) to appear solemn and impressive; often part of the idiom 道貌岸然

Definition

岸然 is a literary word meaning 'solemn and impressive in manner' — almost always seen as part of the idiom 道貌岸然 (a self-righteous, pompous look). Don't use it as a standalone verb.

verb
(literary, verb phrase) to appear solemn and impressiveoften part of the idiom 道貌岸然

Examples

  • 岸然，。
    Tā àn rán zhàn lì, bú nù zì wēi.
    He stands solemnly, imposing without anger.
  • 岸然，。
    Tā shén tài àn rán, lìng rén jìng zhòng.
    He has a solemn and impressive demeanor, earning him respect.
  • 岸然。
    Dào mào àn rán de xué zhě yě huì fàn cuò.
    Even scholars who appear solemn and dignified can make mistakes.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

岸ànsolemn
然ránlike

岸 suggests a lofty, solemn manner, and 然 gives the sense of doing so in that way.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
屵屵àncliff
Sound part声符shēngfú
干
干gān岸àn
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

岸 shows 屵, a cliff, next to 干, which gives a clue to the sound; together they point to the edge of land.

Open 岸 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
火火huǒfire
Sound part声符shēngfú
肰
肰rán然rán
Same sound today

然 is made from 肰, which gives the sound, and 火, which shows fire, matching the old sense 'to burn'.

Open 然 →
Appears in
Personality & Traits

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