盐 (yán) - Salt — a crystalline mineral substance used for & also refers to chemical compounds formed by the

盐Tone 2

yán ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

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盐 · yán

Salt — a crystalline mineral substance used for seasoning and preserving food;

also refers to chemical compounds formed by the reaction of an acid with a base.

Salt — a crystalline mineral substance used foralso refers to chemical compounds formed by the

Usage highlights

Table saltSea saltRock saltSalt mineSalt lakeSalt industry

Synonyms

  • 咸— salty (taste)

Antonyms

  • 糖— sugar (sweet)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Add salt to the soup (加盐).
  • Table salt is sodium chloride (食盐).
  • The sea contains dissolved salts (海盐).
  • Salt mines produce rock salt (岩盐).
  • Low-sodium salt is a healthier alternative (低钠盐).

Collocations

  • Table salt(食盐)
  • Sea salt(海盐)
  • Rock salt(岩盐)
  • Salt mine(盐矿)
  • Salt lake(盐湖)
  • Salt industry(盐业)

Idioms

  • Salt and plum — essential daily necessities(柴米油盐)
  • Add flowers to brocade — make perfection more perfect(锦上添花, though not directly about salt, often contrasted)
  • Salt of the earth — a very good and honest person(中流砥柱, metaphorical)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Salt has been a crucial commodity throughout Chinese history, essential for food preservation and seasoning.
  • The salt monopoly was a major source of state revenue in imperial China, leading to salt smuggling and rebellions.
  • Salt routes were important trade networks, similar to the Silk Road, facilitating cultural and economic exchange.

FAQ