燕 (yàn) - Swallow (bird) & Yan — refers to the ancient state of

燕Tone 4

yàn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

妍嬿

燕 · yàn

Swallow (bird);

Yan — refers to the ancient state of Yan;

also used in words for swallow bird and as a surname.

Swallow (bird)Yan — refers to the ancient state ofalso used in words for swallow bird and

Usage highlights

SwallowYan stateSurname YanSwallowtailSwallow's nestYanjing

Synonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The swallow is a migratory bird (燕子).
  • Beijing was part of the ancient Yan state (燕国).
  • He has the surname Yan (姓燕).
  • Swallowtail butterfly (燕尾蝶).

Collocations

  • Swallow (bird)(燕子)
  • Yan state(燕国)
  • Surname Yan(燕姓)
  • Swallowtail(燕尾)
  • Swallow's nest(燕窝)
  • Yanjing (old name for Beijing)(燕京)

Idioms

  • Like a swallow nesting in a dangerous place(燕巢危幕)
  • Swallows and sparrows do not know the ambitions of swans(燕雀安知鸿鹄之志)
  • Swallows return to the old nest(燕归巢)
  • Dragon flying and phoenix dancing(龙飞凤舞, sometimes used with 燕 for grace)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The swallow symbolizes spring, renewal, and domestic happiness in Chinese culture.
  • Yan was a major state during the Zhou dynasty, located in modern-day Hebei and Beijing.
  • The character appears in many place names and historical references, especially in northern China.

FAQ