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March 24, 2026
硯yàn(yan4)
硯 (yàn) refers to an inkstone, a traditional tool used in Chinese calligraphy for grinding ink. It is often made of stone and has a smooth surface, allowing for the preparation of ink from solid ink sticks. Inkstones are commonly used in scholarly and artistic contexts, emphasizing the importance of calligraphy in Chinese culture.
Strokes12Radical石
Cultural Note
The use of 硯 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, particularly among scholars and artists. It reflects the traditional values of patience and precision in calligraphy, which is seen as a form of art and self-expression.
Memory Tip
Imagine an artist sitting at a desk with an inkstone (硯) made of smooth stone. The shape of the character resembles a stone tablet, and you can remember 'yàn' by picturing an artist saying 'YAY! I have my inkstone ready!'
Meanings of 硯
yàn(yan4)
1inkstone
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 硯
硯Simplified
12Strokes
石Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 硯
Podcast: 硯
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AI Study Notes for 硯
Usage Notes
In formal settings, 硯 is often associated with traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, so it's best to use it in contexts related to arts or education. Be careful with the tone; 'yàn' is pronounced with a falling tone, which is different from 'yan' (烟, smoke). Common phrases include 硯台 (yàntái, inkstone stand) and 硯水 (yànshuǐ, ink water).
HSK Study Tips
While 硯 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other words related to writing and art, such as 墨 (mò, ink) and 毛笔 (máobǐ, brush). Focus on pronunciation and character recognition to enhance your calligraphy vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 硯 with similar characters like 颜 (yán, face) or 演 (yǎn, perform), which have different meanings. Always remember that 硯 specifically relates to the tool for ink preparation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 硯
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Etymology of 硯
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 见 represents the sound. Simplified form of 硯.
硯 = 石 + 見. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 硯
IDS Structure⿰石見
硯Full Character
=
石dan4
left
見jian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 硯?
How to say inkstone in Chinese
“inkstone” in Chinese is硯yàn
硯 (yàn) refers to an inkstone, a traditional tool used in Chinese calligraphy for grinding ink. It is often made of stone and has a smooth surface, allowing for the preparation of ink from solid ink sticks. Inkstones are commonly used in scholarly and artistic contexts, emphasizing the importance of calligraphy in Chinese culture.
When to use 硯
In formal settings, 硯 is often associated with traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, so it's best to use it in contexts related to arts or education. Be careful with the tone; 'yàn' is pronounced with a falling tone, which is different from 'yan' (烟, smoke). Common phrases include 硯台 (yàntái, inkstone stand) and 硯水 (yànshuǐ, ink water).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 硯 with similar characters like 颜 (yán, face) or 演 (yǎn, perform), which have different meanings. Always remember that 硯 specifically relates to the tool for ink preparation.
Write 硯
硯
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Word Family of 硯
Words Containing This Character13
砚台ink stone硯臺
砚yànink-stone硯
端砚high-quality ink stonemade in Duanxi and Guangdong端硯
程砚秋Cheng Yanqiu (1904-1958), famous Beijing opera star, second only to 梅蘭芳|梅兰芳[MéiLánfāng]程硯秋
砚石ink stone硯石
砚池(concave) ink stone or ink slab硯池
砚山Yanshan county in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture 文山壯族苗族自治州|文山壮族苗族自治州[WénshānZhuàngzúMiáozúzìzhìzhōu], Yunnan硯山
砚山县Yanshan county in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture 文山壯族苗族自治州|文山壮族苗族自治州[WénshānZhuàngzúMiáozúzìzhìzhōu], Yunnan硯山縣
砚田ink stone硯田
瓦砚ink stone or ink slab made from an antique palace tile瓦硯
古砚antique ink slab古硯
陶砚ink stone made of pottery陶硯
磨穿铁砚to grind one's way through an ink stone磨穿鐵硯
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 硯
What does 砚台 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 硯
An inkstone is used to grind ink sticks into liquid ink, essential for calligraphy and painting.
Yes, inkstones can vary in material, size, and design, with some being more decorative than others.
It's important to clean your inkstone after use to prevent ink buildup and preserve its quality.
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