How to Say
How to Write
yǔn
Radical: 歹 11 strokes
Meaning: to perish; to die
💡 Imagine a soldier (员) falling on a battlefield of bones (歹).
Compounds

📚 Character Story & Explanation

殒 (yǔn) meaning in English —

In ancient inscriptions, 殒 combines 歹 (remnants of bone, symbolizing death) with 员 (original meaning 'round', but here phonetic). It depicts a warrior falling in battle—a noble, heroic demise. Rather than ordinary death, 殒 implies a life cut short, often for a cause. This character carries the weight of sacrifice and tragedy, as seen in classical texts describing fallen generals or martyred officials.

💬 Example Sentences

Common Compounds

Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up

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