Definitions

yīng (adjective) crystal; lustrous

Etymology phono-semantic

jade

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "瑛" is structured with the jade radical 玉 serving as its semantic component, inherently connecting it to jade, while the right-hand component 英 functions phonetically and imbues a sense of floral or exceptional quality. Originally denoting a specific kind of jade or the luminous essence perceived in fine jade, its meaning gradually extended from a mere mineral reference to embody broader concepts of preciousness and refined beauty. This evolution allowed the term to be applied metaphorically to describe people or objects of rare elegance, leading to its prevalent use in personal names where it suggests brilliance and value, thus preserving its jade-related heritage while adapting to denote admirable human traits.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是我的朋友。

Xiǎo Yīng shì wǒ de péngyou.

Xiao Ying is my friend.

喜欢看书。

Lǐ Yīng xǐhuan kànshū.

Li Ying likes reading books.

子买了一束花。

Yīngzi mǎi le yī shù huā.

Yingzi bought a bouquet of flowers.

在公园里散步。

Zhāng Yīng zài gōngyuán lǐ sànbù.

Zhang Ying is taking a walk in the park.

那块石闪烁着光芒。

Nà kuài yīng shí shǎnshuò zhe guāngmáng.

That piece of jade stone is sparkling with light.

在阳光下,那块发出温润的光泽。

Zài yángguāng xià, nà kuài yīng fāchū wēnrùn de guāngzé.

Under the sunlight, that piece of jade emits a warm and smooth luster.

是一种类似玉的美丽石头。

Yīng shì yī zhǒng lèisì yù de měilì shítou.

Ying is a kind of beautiful stone similar to jade.

博物馆里陈列着一块古代的,它来自千年前的王朝。

Bówùguǎn lǐ chénliè zhe yī kuài gǔdài de yīng, tā láizì qiān nián qián de wángcháo.

In the museum, an ancient piece of jade is displayed, which comes from a dynasty a thousand years ago.