阉 (yān) - To castrate & to neuter

阉Tone 1

yān ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

阉 · yān

To castrate;

to neuter;

a eunuch;

used metaphorically for emasculation or servility.

To castrateto neutera eunuch

Usage highlights

CastrateEunuchCastrated pigCastrated roosterCastrated bullCastration knife

Synonyms

  • 宦— Eunuch; palace official
  • 太监— Palace eunuch

Antonyms

  • 雄— Male; masculine
  • 阳— Yang; masculine principle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The pig was castrated (阉猪).
  • He was a eunuch in the imperial palace (太监阉人).
  • The ancient practice of castration was used to create palace servants (阉割).
  • The cat was neutered at the vet (被阉了).

Collocations

  • Castrate(阉割)
  • Eunuch(阉人)
  • Castrated pig(阉猪)
  • Castrated rooster(阉鸡)
  • Castrated bull(阉牛)
  • Castration knife(阉刀)

Idioms

  • Castrated rooster(阉鸡)
  • Castrated pig(阉猪)
  • To castrate and eliminate(阉除)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically, castration was practiced in China to create eunuchs for imperial service, ensuring male servants could not father children with palace women.
  • Eunuchs held significant political power in some dynasties despite their servile status.
  • The character carries strong negative connotations when used metaphorically, implying emasculation or loss of vitality.

FAQ