COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 阎 is built
Traditional etymology note: 门 (gate) suggests the meaning, while 臽 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 阎 (yán) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
surname Yan (sometimes written 閆|闫[Yan2] in recent years)
yánTone 2 (Rising)Pitch goes up like asking ‘What?’
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 11 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
yán
阎
surname Yan (sometimes written 閆|闫[Yan2] in recent years)
Common words
yán wáng
阎王
(Buddhism) Yama, the King of Hell; (fig.) cruel and tyrannical person
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
阎
阎
阎
阎
阎
阎
阎
阎
LEARNING TIP
Remember 阎
Say “yán” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 11 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 阎
Common words and phrases
yán wáng
(Buddhism) Yama, the King of Hell; (fig.) cruel and tyrannical person
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“阎”。
Zhège zì shì “yán”.
This character is “阎”.
我正在学习“阎”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “yán” zì.
I am learning the character “阎”.
请写一遍“阎”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “yán”.
Please write “阎” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 阎?
阎 is written with 11 strokes.
What does 阎 (yán) mean?
阎 (yán) means surname Yan (sometimes written 閆|闫[Yan2] in recent years).
What is the radical of 阎?
The radical of 阎 is 门, associated with Not yet classified.