Core Meaning
The character 眼 primarily means "eye," referring to the organ of sight. It is used in everyday conversation to talk about eyes literally.
Extended Meanings
Besides the literal eye, 眼 also refers to small openings or holes, such as the "eye" of a needle (针眼). This usage is common in crafts or sewing contexts.
Figurative Use
眼 can be used metaphorically to mean a small gap or opportunity, often in phrases like 机会的眼, implying a chance or critical moment.
Common Collocations
- 眼睛 (yǎnjing): eyes
- 针眼 (zhēnyǎn): eye of a needle
- 眼光 (yǎnguāng): insight, vision
- 眼神 (yǎnshén): expression in the eyes
Usage Notes
When using 眼 to mean "eye," it often appears in compound words like 眼睛. The standalone 眼 is less common in daily speech but appears in idiomatic expressions or technical terms. Avoid confusing 眼 with 目, which also means eye but is more formal or literary.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 眼 (yǎn) with 眼睛 (yǎnjing). The former can be more abstract or refer to openings, while the latter specifically means the physical eyes.