玲

líng

令 + 王

Definitions

líng (adjective) tinkling; clear and resonant sound

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 王 represents the meaning and 令 represents the sound.

Semantic: 王 Phonetic: 令

About

玲 is a phono-semantic compound in which 王, the combining form of the jade radical 玉, gives the meaning, and 令 the pronunciation. It originally denoted the clear, tinkling sound made when jade pieces collide. Due to jade's cultural associations with purity, elegance, and high value, the character acquired secondary meanings of cleverness, nimbleness, and delicate beauty, and it is now commonly used in female given names and to describe exquisite objects.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

张玲是我的同学。

Zhāng Líng shì wǒ de tóngxué.

Zhang Ling is my classmate.

玲玲有一个可爱的玩具。

Língling yǒu yī gè kě'ài de wánjù.

Lingling has a cute toy.

她的名字叫王玲。

Tā de míngzi jiào Wáng Líng.

Her name is Wang Ling.

她的声音很玲珑。

Tā de shēngyīn hěn línglóng.

Her voice is very clear and melodious.

这个小铃铛玲珑剔透。

Zhège xiǎo língdang línglóng tītòu.

This small bell is exquisitely made.

她玲珑的身材很适合跳舞。

Tā línglóng de shēncái hěn shìhé tiàowǔ.

Her petite and graceful figure is very suitable for dancing.

那块玉石雕刻得玲珑别致。

Nà kuài yùshí diāokè dé línglóng biézhì.

That piece of jade is carved exquisitely and uniquely.

这件工艺品的玲珑精巧令人赞叹不已。

Zhè jiàn gōngyìpǐn de línglóng jīngqiǎo lìng rén zàntàn bùyǐ.

The exquisite delicacy of this handicraft makes people marvel endlessly.

Related Characters

Component: 令

Component: 王

玲