方言

fāng yán

CL 个 gè 种 zhǒng

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 6 Noun Uncommon

Save to list

Definitions

1. the first Chinese dialect dictionary, edited by Yang Xiong 揚雄|扬雄[yáng xióng] in 1st century, containing over 9000 characters
2. topolect
3. dialect

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial · $9.99 / year

Sign up with Google

Continue with Email

Lifetime for $19.99 Try the 30-second demo

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 标准语 biāo zhǔn yǔ 标准语 biāo zhǔn yǔ standard language standard language, contrasting with dialects: standard language

Related words

1 item

• 口音 kǒu yīn 口音 kǒu yīn oral speech sounds (linguistics) accent, distinct from dialect but related: oral speech sounds (linguistics)

Synonyms

1 item

• 土话 tǔ huà 土话 tǔ huà vernacular informal, often refers to local rural speech: vernacular

Usage notes

Common mistakes

方言 refers to regional language varieties, not just accents; it implies differences in vocabulary and grammar, not only pronunciation.

Formality

方言 is neutral; in formal contexts, 地方话 may sound more polite when avoiding potential stigma.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他说的 方言 我听不懂。

I can't understand the dialect he speaks.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 方言

• 次方言 次方言 cì fāng yán: subdialect
• 视觉方言 视觉方言 shì jué fāng yán: (linguistics) eye dialect

Child Words of 方言

• 方 方 fāng: square
• 言 言 yán: words