(yǎn) - To display the teeth & to grin

Tone 3

yǎn | 20 strokes | radical:

· yǎn

To display the teeth;

to grin;

to bare one's teeth.

To display the teethto grinto bare one's teeth.

Usage highlights

To bare teethTo grinDisplaying teethA grimaceA snarl

Synonyms

  • to bare/show teeth
  • to grin

Antonyms

  • to press lips together
  • to close/shut

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The fierce dog bared its teeth (犬齞).
  • He grinned widely, showing his teeth (齞齿而笑).
  • The skull's jaw was agape, teeth displayed (颅骨齞露).

Collocations

  • To bare teeth(齞齿)
  • To grin(齞笑)
  • Displaying teeth(齞露)
  • A grimace(齞面)
  • A snarl(齞怒)

Idioms

  • To bare fangs and brandish claws(张牙齞齿)
  • With grinning teeth and dancing claws(齞牙舞爪)
  • A face contorted in a grimace(齞牙咧嘴)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • This character is archaic and rarely used in modern Chinese, primarily found in classical texts or descriptions of ferocity.
  • It often depicts an aggressive or threatening facial expression, associated with animals or angry people.
  • Its complex structure reflects its classical origin, making it a character of interest for calligraphy and historical linguistics.

FAQ