奄
cover; include; suddenly; abruptly
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesverb
to cover; to include
literaryLiterary and archaic usage, often describing covering a large area.
Its territory covers all directions, with a vast expanse.
This mountain range covers the entire northern region.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
His sphere of influence includes several surrounding counties.
According to ancient records, this country covers the coast of the East China Sea.
This forest covers an area of hundreds of square kilometers.
adverb
suddenly; abruptly
literaryLiterary and archaic usage, often describing unexpected events.
Suddenly, the sky changed greatly.
Abruptly, a gust of wind passed, and all the leaves fell.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
The wolf came suddenly, and everyone was startled.
Suddenly, a heavy rain poured down, and passersby took shelter one after another.
The enemy attacked abruptly, and we were completely unprepared.
verb
to castrate (archaic variant of 阉)
archaicAncient variant character for '阉' (yān), used in classical texts.
In ancient books, '奄' is also the same as '阉', referring to the punishment of castration.
This character is often used as a phonetic loan for '阉' in pre-Qin documents.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Yǎn rén means eunuch, referring to castrated men in ancient times.
In Zuo Zhuan, there is the term '奄官', which is the same as '阉官'.
Ancient annotations say: 'Yǎn is interchangeable with yān.'