How to Write 言
The character 言 (yán) is written with 7 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 言 is one of its key components.
Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.
Meaning & Pronunciation
言 is pronounced yán in Mandarin Chinese. It means speech; words; to speak.
As an HSK Level 2 character, 言 is among the first characters beginners learn.
Common Words with 言
语言
yǔ yán
language
发言
fā yán
to make a speech; to speak (at a meeting)
方言
fāng yán
dialect
Example Sentences
我学习语言。
wǒ xué xí yǔ yán
I'm learning languages.
请大家发言。
qǐng dà jiā fā yán
Everyone, please speak up.
他说广东方言。
tā shuō guǎng dōng fāng yán
He speaks Cantonese.
Similar Characters
訇
hōng
Practice Writing 言 (yán)
Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 言 with real-time feedback.