焰 (yàn) — (classifier) used for a burst of flame (rare)
Definition
焰 (yàn) means 'flame' but is almost never used alone — it appears as the second half of compounds like 火焰 (flame) or 烟花 (fireworks). The standalone bound use as a classifier in 一∼ flames is rare and literary.
classifier
used for a burst of flame (rare)
Easily confused
- 掐qiālook-aliketo pinch, to nip (between thumb and finger)
- 艳yànsound-alikebright, colorful, gorgeous
- 陷xiànlook-aliketo sink into, to get stuck in (physical substance); to cave in
- 厌yànsound-aliketo detest; to loathe
- 馅xiànlook-alikefilling, stuffing (for dumplings, pies, etc.)
- 验yànsound-aliketo examine; to test; to check
Examples
- 。Yí yàn huǒ yàn chōng tiān ér qǐ.A burst of flame shot up into the sky.
- 。Nà yàn huǒ guāng yìng hóng le bàn biān tiān.That burst of firelight reddened half the sky.
- 焰。Jǐ yàn yān huā zài kōng zhōng zhàn fàng.Several bursts of fireworks bloomed in the sky.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
Sound part声符shēngfú
臽
臽xiàn焰
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
焰 combines 火, meaning fire, with 臽, which provides the sound.
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