弇 (yǎn) - to cover & to conceal

弇Tone 3

yǎn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 廾

妍嬿

弇 · yǎn

to cover;

to conceal;

narrow and deep (as a vessel);

archaic term for the middle of three layers of heaven.

to coverto concealnarrow and deep (as a vessel)

Usage highlights

Cover and concealNarrow openingCovered pathConceal faultsDeep and narrowThree layers of heaven

Synonyms

  • 掩— to cover, to conceal
  • 盖— to cover, lid
  • 藏— to hide, conceal

Antonyms

  • 露— to expose, reveal
  • 显— to manifest, apparent

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient vessel had a narrow, deep opening (弇口).
  • He tried to conceal the truth (弇其过).
  • A covered corridor (弇径).

Collocations

  • Cover and conceal(弇掩)
  • Narrow opening(弇口)
  • Covered path(弇径)
  • Conceal faults(弇过)
  • Deep and narrow(弇陋)
  • Three layers of heaven(三弇)

Idioms

  • To cover up and hide(弇掩藏匿)
  • Narrow and shallow knowledge(弇陋寡闻)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in ancient Chinese cosmological texts referring to the middle layer of heaven.
  • Used in classical descriptions of ritual vessels with specific shapes.
  • A rare character in modern usage, primarily of interest to scholars and classical literature.

FAQ