绫

綾

líng

夌 + 纟

Definitions

líng damask; thin silk

Etymology phono-semantic

silk

Semantic: 纟 Phonetic: 夌

About

绫 (líng), from the traditional 綾, is a phono-semantic compound used for a type of thin, patterned silk fabric known as damask. The left-side radical 纟 (sī), simplified from the traditional 糹, represents silk thread, categorizing the character among textiles and woven materials. The right-side component 夌 (líng) serves as a phonetic marker, indicating the pronunciation líng without adding semantic content. Historically, the term designated a highly valued, lightweight silk textile with a diagonal twill weave and a smooth, glossy surface; it appears frequently in classical literature as a symbol of wealth, luxury, and the elegant clothing of the upper classes.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这件裙子是绫做的。

Zhè jiàn qúnzi shì líng zuò de.

This dress is made of silk satin.

她买了一段红绫。

Tā mǎi le yī duàn hóng líng.

She bought a piece of red silk damask.

绫罗绸缎都很昂贵。

Líng luó chóu duàn dōu hěn ángguì.

Silks and satins are all very expensive.

古代贵族常穿绫衣。

Gǔdài guìzú cháng chuān líng yī.

Ancient nobles often wore clothes made of damask silk.

这件工艺品用了彩绫装饰。

Zhè jiàn gōngyìpǐn yòng le cǎi líng zhuāngshì.

This handicraft is decorated with colored damask.

她手中的绫扇十分精美。

Tā shǒu zhōng de líng shàn shífēn jīngměi.

The damask silk fan in her hand is very exquisite.

这些出土的唐代绫织物保存完好。

Zhèxiē chūtǔ de Táng dài líng zhīwù bǎocún wánhǎo.

These unearthed Tang dynasty damask silk textiles are well preserved.

画家用笔墨描绘出绫缎的柔软光泽。

Huàjiā yòng bǐmò miáohuì chū líng duàn de róuruǎn guāngzé.

The painter used ink and brush to depict the soft luster of the silk satin.

Related Characters

Component: 夌

Component: 纟

绫