顏 (yán) - Face & countenance

顏Tone 2

yán ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

妍嬿

顏 · yán

Face;

countenance;

appearance;

color;

prestige;

honor;

used in surnames.

Facecountenanceappearance

Usage highlights

Face colorFacial expressionCountenanceComplexionPigmentTo lose face

Synonyms

  • 面— face; surface
  • 臉— face; cheek
  • 色— color; countenance

Antonyms

  • 背— back; reverse side
  • 後— behind; back

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She has a beautiful face (漂亮的顏).
  • He showed no expression on his face (面無表情).
  • This paint comes in various colors (各種顏色的油漆).
  • They care about saving face (在乎面子).

Collocations

  • Face color(顏色)
  • Facial expression(表情)
  • Countenance(顏面)
  • Complexion(臉色)
  • Pigment(顏料)
  • To lose face(丟臉)

Idioms

  • To smile broadly(笑逐顏開)
  • To have a radiant face(容光煥發)
  • To change facial expression(變顏變色)
  • To have a stern countenance(正顏厲色)
  • To please the eye(賞心悅目)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 'face' (面子) represents social standing, prestige, and honor.
  • The character appears in many historical names, notably Yan Zhenqing, a famous Tang dynasty calligrapher.
  • Traditional Chinese aesthetics valued dignified facial features as reflecting inner virtue.

FAQ