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HSK
7-9

King of Hell

Character Composition


Characters

Pinyin

yan2wang5 yánwang

Meaning


Primary

King of Hell

Alternatives

the King of Hell, Yama, King Yan

Mnemonic


阎王 King of Hell refers to the 王 king of hell who looks over the single 阎 lane gate through which dead souls enter his domain. He's not really an earthly 王 king, but a sort of god of a realm, so we say that part [5] quietly.

Usage


他 害怕 去 见 阎王。

He is afraid to meet the King of Hell.

据说 阎王 会 决定 人 的 生死。

It is said that the King of Hell decides people's life and death.

阎王 的 名字 常出 现 在 民间 传说 中。

King of Hell's name often appears in folk tales.