Definitions

lèng (verb) to stare blankly; to look distracted
lèng (adjective) stunned; dazed
lèng (adverb) unexpectedly; rashly

Etymology phono-semantic

heart

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "愣" is structured as a semantic-phonetic compound, combining the heart radical 忄 to indicate its association with mental states and the component 楞 for phonetic approximation. Its traditional form remains the same, though it is etymologically connected to the character "楞", which itself is composed of the wood radical 木 and other elements. Originally, "愣" conveyed a sense of being dazed or distracted, a meaning likely influenced by the idea of rigidity implied by its phonetic element. Over time, its semantic range expanded to include connotations of rashness or acting without forethought, reflecting a shift from describing a passive cognitive state to encompassing impulsive behavior.

Example Sentences Hide

他站在那发

Tā zhàn zài nà fālèng.

He stood there in a daze.

了一下才明白。

Wǒ lèngle yīxià cái míngbái.

I was stunned for a moment before I understood.

着,快帮忙!

Bié lèngzhe, kuài bāngmáng!

Don't just stand there dazed, help quickly!

她突然住不说话。

Tā tūrán lèngzhù bù shuōhuà.

She suddenly froze and didn't speak.

看到结果他了半天。

Kàn dào jiéguǒ tā lèngle bàntiān.

Seeing the result, he was stunned for a long time.

他发的样子很好笑。

Tā fālèng de yàngzi hěn hǎoxiào.

His dazed expression was very funny.

尽管很惊讶,但他没有住。

Jǐnguǎn hěn jīngyà, dàn tā méiyǒu lèngzhù.

Although very surprised, he did not freeze.

在那种情况下,任何人都会一下的。

Zài nà zhǒng qíngkuàng xià, rènhé rén dōu huì lèng yīxià de.

In that kind of situation, anyone would be stunned for a moment.