眼

yǎn
#281 most
frequent character
eye
noun
Measure words:只 zhī,双 shuāng

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

眼 shows an eye, 目, and 艮, a person looking back over their shoulder. Together they give the first meaning, 'eye.' 艮 also supplies the sound, though the link is unclear today. The meaning later grew to 'hole.'

Drawn as: eye; person looking back

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Example Sentences

我的眼睛很大。
wǒde yǎnjīng hěndà 。
My eyes are very big.
她的眼睛是蓝色的。
tāde yǎnjīng shì lánsè de 。
Her eyes are blue.
他用眼睛看电视。
tāyòng yǎnjīng kàn diànshì 。
He watches TV with his eyes.

Words with similar meanings

瞳孔tóngkǒng
pupil
Refers specifically to the black circular opening in the center of the eye, more specific than 'eye'.
目mù
eye (literary)
A more formal or literary term for eye, often used in classical texts.

Words Starting With 眼

眼睛yǎn jing
"eye
眼镜yǎn jìng
spectacles; eyeglasses
眼下yǎn xià
now; at present; subocular (medicine)
眼光yǎn guāng
vision
眼神yǎn shén
expression or emotion showing in one's eyes; meaningful glance; wink; eyesight (topolect)

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