彥 (yàn) - Yan — refers to a person of talent, & often used in names to denote scholarly excellence

彥Tone 4

yàn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

妍嬿

彥 · yàn

Yan — refers to a person of talent, virtue, and outstanding ability;

often used in names to denote scholarly excellence and moral character.

Yan — refers to a person of talent,often used in names to denote scholarly excellence

Usage highlights

Talented scholarWise and virtuousEminent scholarAncient sageOutstanding talentVirtuous person

Synonyms

  • 賢— virtuous, worthy
  • 才— talent, ability
  • 俊— talented, handsome
  • 傑— outstanding, hero

Antonyms

  • 庸— mediocre, ordinary
  • 愚— foolish, stupid

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a talented scholar (彥士).
  • The ancient sage was known for his virtue (彥聖).
  • She admires the wise and virtuous (彥哲).
  • This book collects works by eminent scholars (彥儒).

Collocations

  • Talented scholar(彥士)
  • Wise and virtuous(彥哲)
  • Eminent scholar(彥儒)
  • Ancient sage(彥聖)
  • Outstanding talent(彥才)
  • Virtuous person(彥德)

Idioms

  • Gathering of talented scholars(群彥薈萃)
  • Outstanding talents emerge(彥士輩出)
  • Virtuous and wise individuals(彥哲之士)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically used to denote men of virtue and talent in classical Chinese texts.
  • Often appears in names to express parents' hope for their child to become accomplished and virtuous.
  • The character carries strong Confucian connotations of scholarly excellence and moral integrity.

FAQ