Common Meanings
1
yǎn奄
To cover; to envelop or take possession of (especially completely or overwhelmingly).
这个废弃的工厂，已经被野草奄有多年。
This abandoned factory has been taken over by weeds for many years.
Suddenly; abruptly; unexpectedly.
夜色奄然降临，只留下远处微弱的灯光。
Night suddenly fell, leaving only faint lights in the distance.
on the verge of death; barely breathing; extremely weak
那只受伤的小鸟奄奄一息地躺在地上。
The injured little bird lay on the ground, on its last gasp.
2
yān奄
Same as '阉' (yān), referring to a eunuch, especially in historical contexts of imperial courts.
古代宮廷中，有時會用'奄'字指稱侍奉帝王的宦官。
In ancient imperial courts, the character '奄' was sometimes used to refer to eunuchs serving the emperor.
To stay; to linger (same as 淹).
小猫在窗台上奄留了一会儿。
The kitten lingered on the windowsill for a while.