簷 (yán) - Eaves — the projecting overhang at the lower

簷Tone 2

yán ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

妍嬿

簷 · yán

Eaves — the projecting overhang at the lower edge of a roof that diverts rainwater away from the walls of a building.

Eaves — the projecting overhang at the lower

Usage highlights

Roof eavesUnder the eavesEaves tilesEaves gutterEaves boardEaves projection

Synonyms

  • 檐— eaves (simplified/common form)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The swallows built a nest under the eaves (屋檐下).
  • Rainwater dripped from the eaves (从屋檐滴下).
  • The traditional house had ornate eaves (雕花屋檐).
  • Icicles hung from the eaves in winter (冬季屋檐下挂着冰柱).

Collocations

  • Roof eaves(屋檐)
  • Under the eaves(檐下)
  • Eaves tiles(檐瓦)
  • Eaves gutter(檐沟)
  • Eaves board(檐板)
  • Eaves projection(檐口挑出)

Idioms

  • No place to hang one's head under the eaves(寄人檐下)
  • Walk carefully under another's eaves(在人檐下走)
  • Eaves of a thatched cottage(茅檐)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, eaves were not only functional but also highly decorative, often featuring intricate dougong bracketing and upward-curving roofs.
  • The eaves provided a sheltered space, leading to idioms about shelter and subordination (e.g., 'under another's eaves').
  • The character itself, with its 'bamboo' radical, reflects historical building materials and roofing techniques.

FAQ