懨 (yān) - Listless & weak

懨Tone 1

yān ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

嫣妍

懨 · yān

Listless;

weak;

feeble;

dispirited;

languid;

describes a state of physical or mental weakness, often due to illness or melancholy.

Listlessweakfeeble

Usage highlights

Listless and weakDispirited and wearyFeeble and sicklyLanguid appearanceLack of energyWeak and listless

Synonyms

  • 倦— weary; tired
  • 弱— weak; feeble
  • 疲— fatigued; exhausted
  • 萎— withered; languid

Antonyms

  • 健— healthy; robust
  • 旺— vigorous; prosperous
  • 盛— flourishing; abundant
  • 强— strong; powerful

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She looked pale and listless after her illness (病后显得懨懨的).
  • The flowers appeared weak and drooping in the heat (花儿在酷热中显得懨懨无力).
  • He spoke in a feeble, dispirited tone (他用懨懨的语气说话).
  • A languid atmosphere pervaded the quiet room (寂静的房间里弥漫着一种懨懨的气氛).

Collocations

  • Listless and weak(懨懨无力)
  • Dispirited and weary(懨懨倦怠)
  • Feeble and sickly(懨懨病态)
  • Languid appearance(懨懨之态)
  • Lack of energy(懨懨不振)
  • Weak and listless(懨弱无力)

Idioms

  • Listless and weak, lacking energy(懨懨无力)
  • Sickly and feeble in appearance(病懨懨)
  • Dispirited and weary(懨懨倦怠)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical Chinese literature to depict characters in states of convalescence, melancholy, or lovesickness.
  • Frequently appears in descriptions of delicate beauty or frail health, reflecting traditional aesthetic values.
  • Commonly used in traditional medicine contexts to describe weak constitutions or recovery periods.

FAQ