(yàn) — to swallow

Definition

咽 (yàn) means 'to swallow' — paired with 吞, it usually takes a direct object (把药咽下去), while 吞 can also be used figuratively for annexing (吞并). As a noun (yān), it's the throat/pharynx.

verb
to swallow

Examples

  • Tā màn màn dì bǎ yào yàn xià qù le.
    He slowly swallowed the medicine.
  • Chī fàn shí yào xì jiáo màn yàn, duì shēn tǐ hǎo.
    When eating, chew carefully and swallow slowly — it's good for your health.
  • Tā kě le, bǎ yí dà kǒu shuǐ yàn le xià qù.
    He was thirsty and swallowed a big mouthful of water.

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