How to Say
How to Write
yàn
Radical: 彡 9 strokes
Meaning: accomplished
💡 Imagine a scholar with three hairs (彡) achieving 'yan' (彦) fame.
Compounds

📚 Character Story & Explanation

彦 (yàn) meaning in English —

彦 (yàn) means 'accomplished' or 'talented', originally describing a person of virtue and learning. Its radical 彡 (hair/ornament) suggests refinement. In Chinese culture, 彦 is often used in names, reflecting the Confucian ideal of cultivating both moral integrity and intellectual achievement. It appears in classical texts praising scholars and gentlemen, embodying the aspiration for personal excellence.

💬 Example Sentences

Common Compounds

Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up

🏠

Your First Step into Chinese Culture: Get a Chinese Name

Every journey into Chinese begins with a name. Use our free Chinese name generator to create a meaningful, personalized Chinese name that fits you perfectly.

Get My Chinese Name →

Related Characters