jan1湮
Jyutpingjan1
Yaleyān
Definition
To block up, inundate, or cover up.
writtenother
How it's used
This character is primarily used in formal or literary contexts to describe things being lost to time, memory, or physical submersion. It carries a sense of finality or fading away, often appearing in phrases concerning history or cultural heritage. You will rarely hear it in casual daily conversation, as more common verbs like 浸 or 埋 are used for physical flooding or covering.
Examples
The old buildings here have already been submerged and forgotten.
The truth of history cannot be buried so easily.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 淹, which is specifically used for flooding by water. While 湮 can imply being covered or submerged, it carries a stronger connotation of being lost, erased, or forgotten over time rather than just being wet.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
