蔭 (yīn) - shade & shadow

蔭Tone 1

yīn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

懿嘤

蔭 · yīn

shade;

shadow;

(of a predecessor) to bless or protect;

to shelter;

covert protection (as in official positions for descendants);

also refers to the Yin force in Yin-Yang.

shadeshadow(of a predecessor) to bless or protect

Usage highlights

Tree shadeAncestral protectionShady and coolTo shelterHereditary official positionGreen shade

Synonyms

  • 阴— shade; Yin (in Yin-Yang); overcast
  • 影— shadow; reflection
  • 庇— to shelter; to protect

Antonyms

  • 阳— sun; Yang (in Yin-Yang); positive
  • 光— light
  • 晒— to shine upon; to bask in the sun

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The tree provides good shade (树荫).
  • He enjoys the protection of his ancestors (祖荫).
  • The official position was obtained through hereditary privilege (荫职).
  • A cool, shady spot (荫凉处).

Collocations

  • Tree shade(树荫)
  • Ancestral protection(祖荫)
  • Shady and cool(荫凉)
  • To shelter(荫庇)
  • Hereditary official position(荫职)
  • Green shade(绿荫)

Idioms

  • To shelter one's descendants(福荫子孙)
  • To enjoy the protection of one's ancestors(承祖上荫)
  • A place blessed with natural shade(林荫繁茂)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically linked to the concept of ancestral merit, where the achievements of forebears could secure official positions for their descendants, known as 'yin privilege' (荫).
  • In traditional Chinese thought, 'yin' (荫) is associated with the passive, receptive, and nurturing Yin principle, contrasting with the active Yang.
  • The character evokes a sense of coolness, protection, and tranquility, often used in poetry and literature to describe serene, shaded natural settings.

FAQ