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预言 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
预言yùyánto predictHSK 7, v, rank #3345, Hard
预言yùyánprophecyHSK 7, v, rank #3345, Hard
yùyán(yu4yan2) T4
  1. 1to predict
  2. 2prophecy
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March 24, 2026
预言(預言)yùyán(yu4yan2)

预言 (yùyán) means to predict or prophesy something that will happen in the future. This word is commonly used in literary, religious, and philosophical contexts, often referring to foretelling events or outcomes based on insight or intuition.

Frequency#3345DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 预言 is often associated with historical figures like Confucius, who is said to have made various predictions about the future of society. It reflects the importance of wisdom and foresight in Chinese philosophy.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise old sage (the character 预) sitting under a tree, whispering predictions (言) into the wind. The '预' looks like a person preparing to share wisdom, while '言' symbolizes speech. Together, they create a vivid image of prophecy.

Meanings of 预言

yùyán(yu4yan2)
1to predict
2prophecy
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 预言

预言Simplified
預言Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3345Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 预言

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Podcast: 预言

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AI Study Notes for 预言

Quick Contrast

预示 (yùshì) refers to indicating or signifying something that may happen, often with a less certain or more subtle implication than 预言 (yùyán), which is more definitive in its predictive nature.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a wise old sage (the character 预) sitting under a tree, whispering predictions (言) into the wind. The '预' looks like a person preparing to share wisdom, while '言' symbolizes speech. Together, they create a vivid image of prophecy.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 预言 with similar terms like 预测 (yùcè), which means to forecast based on data. 预言 is often more mystical or philosophical. It is used in both formal and informal contexts but leans towards literary use.

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 HSK word, 预言 builds on vocabulary related to knowledge and insight. Students should focus on understanding its nuances in different contexts, especially in literature or discussions about fate and destiny.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 预言 is often associated with historical figures like Confucius, who is said to have made various predictions about the future of society. It reflects the importance of wisdom and foresight in Chinese philosophy.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 预言 with 预示 (yùshì), which means to indicate or foreshadow rather than predict. For example, saying '这件事情是预言的' (This matter is prophetic) should be corrected to '这件事情是预示的' (This matter is indicative).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 预言

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Component Characters

to advance
HSK 210 strokes
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yánwords
7 strokes
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Write 预言

Practice writing 预言 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 预言

预言 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他____我的头发“一眨眼”就会长回来。

He predicted that my hair would grow back "in no time"

Example Sentences for 预言 (3)

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1
他预言我的头发“一眨眼”就会长回来。

tā yù yán wǒ de tóu fā“ “ yī zhǎ” yǎn ” jiù huì cháng。

He predicted that my hair would grow back "in no time"
2
她预言这次探险结局不会好。

tā yù yán zhè cì tàn xiǎn jié jú bù huì hǎo。

She prophesied a bad ending for the expedition.
3
根据对经济的预测来预言选举的走势不大可靠。

gēn jù duì jīng jì de yù cè lái yù yán xuǎn jǔ de zǒu shì bù dà kě kào。

Predicting voting trends from economic forecasts is a dodgy business.

Cultural Notes for 预言

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, 预言 is often associated with historical figures like Confucius, who is said to have made various predictions about the future of society. It reflects the importance of wisdom and foresight in Chinese philosophy.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, prophecy typically has a religious connotation, often linked to biblical predictions, whereas in Chinese culture, it can also encompass philosophical insights without a strictly religious framework.

Frequently Asked Questions about 预言

预言 refers to prophetic predictions often with a mystical element, while 预测 is more about data-driven forecasting.