掩 yǎn to cover up
to cover up; to cover up (with a hand); to conceal
How to remember 掩: 扌 hand + 奄 cover all = to cover up. The boy puts one hand over the stain and hopes his jacket can cover all the rest, but there is too much ketchup to cover up.
Component breakdown
掩 = 扌 hand + 奄 cover all
- 扌 hand
- 奄 cover all
The boy puts one hand over the stain and hopes his jacket can cover all the rest, but there is too much ketchup to cover up.
How it is used
- To cover (with the hand)/conceal/shield: 掩盖 (yǎngài) to cover up (facts), 掩饰 (yǎnshì) to gloss over/disguise (feelings), 掩护 (yǎnhù) to give cover (military).
- 遮掩 (zhēyǎn) = to hide from view; 掩人耳目 (yǎnrén-ěrmù) = to hoodwink people.
- 掩盖 hides a fact; 掩饰 papers over an emotion or flaw - a useful distinction.
- 掩耳盗铃 (yǎn'ěr-dàolíng) = to plug one's ears while stealing a bell, self-deception.