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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 眼 (yǎn) to mean "eye"

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    Explanation

    眼 (yǎn) is a noun meaning "eye." It is used both literally to refer to the physical organ and figuratively in literary or poetic contexts. In modern spoken Chinese, 眼睛 (yǎnjing) is more common, while 眼 appears more in written or classical-style expressions.

    Examples

    • 她的眼里闪着泪光。

      tā de yǎn lǐ shǎn zhe lèiguāng.

      Her eyes glistened with tears.

    • 这孩子有一双明亮的大眼。

      zhè háizi yǒu yì shuāng míngliàng de dà yǎn.

      This child has a pair of bright, big eyes.

    • 他抬起眼望着远方，什么也没说。

      tā táiqǐ yǎn wàng zhe yuǎnfāng, shénme yě méi shuō.

      He raised his eyes and gazed into the distance, saying nothing.

    Using 眼 (yǎn) to mean "eye" | Chinese Grammar