雅 (yǎ) - Elegant, refined, graceful & also refers to things that are proper, correct,

雅Tone 3

yǎ ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

雅 · yǎ

Elegant, refined, graceful;

also refers to things that are proper, correct, or of high standard.

Used in words describing refined taste, proper behavior, and classical standards.

Elegant, refined, gracefulalso refers to things that are proper, correct,

Usage highlights

ElegantRefined and popular appealClassical ChineseRefined musicElegant roomRefined taste

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 俗— vulgar, common
  • 粗— coarse, rough
  • 鄙— lowly, vulgar

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She has an elegant temperament (气质优雅).
  • This is classical Chinese (雅言).
  • He appreciates refined music (雅乐).
  • The room decoration is very tasteful (布置雅致).

Collocations

  • Elegant(优雅)
  • Refined and popular appeal(雅俗共赏)
  • Classical Chinese(雅言)
  • Refined music(雅乐)
  • Elegant room(雅间)
  • Refined taste(雅兴)

Idioms

  • Unable to bear the gaze of the elegant(难登大雅之堂)
  • Elegant and popular appreciation(雅俗共赏)
  • Courteous and refined(温文尔雅)
  • Elegant demeanor(雅人深致)
  • Elegant beyond the common(雅量高致)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian tradition, 'ya' represents proper standards of behavior and refined taste.
  • Historically used to distinguish refined court culture from popular folk culture.
  • Considered an important aesthetic value in traditional Chinese arts and literature.

FAQ