yen

/jen/ Chinese Origin Culture

Original Word

瘾

Cantonese (yáhn)

Entered English

19th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "yen"

From Cantonese 'yáhn' (瘾), meaning 'craving' or 'addiction', originally referring to opium addiction. Now used more broadly for any strong desire or longing.

Example Usage

"After living abroad, she had a yen for her mother's cooking."

All Chinese Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More Chinese Loanwords

gung ho — 工合 Culture · 1940s kowtow — 叩头 Culture · Early 19th century shanghai — 上海 Culture · 19th century cumshaw — 感谢 Culture · 19th century ketchup — 茄汁 Food & Drink · Late 17th century tea — 茶 Food & Drink · Mid 17th century typhoon — 台风 Nature · 16th century brainwash — 洗脑 Politics · 1950s