淹 (yān) - To submerge & to flood

淹Tone 1

yān ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

淹 · yān

To submerge;

to flood;

to drown;

to immerse;

to be overwhelmed;

to delay or linger.

To submergeto floodto drown

Usage highlights

FloodedTo drownTo be immersed inTo lingerFlood disasterSubmerged land

Synonyms

  • 浸— to soak; to immerse
  • 没— to submerge; to sink
  • 溺— to drown

Antonyms

  • 浮— to float
  • 露— to expose; to reveal
  • 干— dry

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The heavy rain flooded the fields (淹了田地).
  • The ancient city was submerged underwater (被水淹没了).
  • He was immersed in his work (他埋头工作).
  • Don't delay here for too long (不要在此淹留).

Collocations

  • Flooded(淹没)
  • To drown(淹死)
  • To be immersed in(埋头)
  • To linger(淹留)
  • Flood disaster(水淹)
  • Submerged land(淹地)

Idioms

  • Years of extensive learning(淹贯群籍)
  • Well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge(博古淹今)
  • To be overwhelmed by a flood(洪水淹天)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with water disasters and the destructive power of floods in agricultural societies.
  • Used metaphorically to describe being deeply engrossed in something, such as study or work.
  • In naming, it can carry connotations of depth and immersion, but also potential danger from its flood-related meaning.

FAQ