Definition
预言 (yù yán) as a noun means 'prophecy' — a fateful or significant prediction about the future. As a verb it means 'to foretell' something momentous. It contrasts with 预测 (yù cè), which is a data-driven forecast (e.g., weather, economy). Other siblings (预料, 预见, 预告, 预示) each have narrower nuances: anticipate, foresee, preview, or foreshadow.
verb
to predictto foretell
noun
prophecyprediction
Easily confused
- 序言xù yánlook-alikepreface; introductory remarks; preamble; prelude
- 语言yǔ yánsound-alikelanguage
- 寓言yù yánsound-alikefable
Examples
- 预言。Kēxuéjiā yù yán wèilái huì fāshēng qìhòu biànhuà.Scientists predict that climate change will occur in the future.
- 预言。Zhège gǔlǎo de yù yán sìhū zhèngzài shíxiàn.This ancient prophecy seems to be coming true.
- 预言。Méiyǒu rén néng yù yán gǔshì de zǒushì.No one can predict the trend of the stock market.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.