韵味 (yùn wèi) — (of art, literature, music) subtle, lasting cha…

Definition

A subtle, lingering charm found in art, writing, or music — something that grows on you with reflection, beyond surface beauty.

noun

(of art, literature, music) subtlelasting charmlingering appeal that invites reflection

，韵味。
Suī rán gē cí jiǎn dān, dàn zhè shǒu gē de yùn wèi ràng rén nán wàng.
Although the lyrics are simple, the lingering charm of this song is unforgettable.
韵味，。
Tā de wén zhāng hěn yǒu yùn wèi, měi dú yí biàn dōu yǒu xīn de tǐ huì.
His writing has a subtle appeal; each reading brings new insights.
韵味。
Zhè fú shān shuǐ huà chōng mǎn le zhōng guó gǔ diǎn de yùn wèi.
This landscape painting is full of classical Chinese charm.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

韵 (rhyme) and 味 (flavor) combine to suggest the lingering appeal carried by rhythm and sound.

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.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 韻; 韵 is its simplified writing.

音員韻

Meaning part形符xíngfú

Sound part声符shēngfú

員

員yuán韻yùn

Same sound today

The traditional form 韻 pairs 音, meaning sound, with 員 to give its sound; the simplified 韵 is a later shorthand, not made of those original parts.

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

口未味

Meaning part形符xíngfú

口口kǒumouth

Sound part声符shēngfú

未

Same sound today

味 combines 口 (mouth) with 未, which gives the sound wèi; the mouth part relates to taste.

Appears in