Definitions

líng (literary) to hear; to listen

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "聆" is etymologically derived from the semantic component "耳", meaning ear, and the phonetic component "令", which indicates its pronunciation, together forming a phono-semantic compound that directly associates it with the faculty of hearing. Its structure consistently emphasizes this auditory basis, with the character historically denoting the act of listening, yet carrying a specific nuance of attentive or deliberate perception. In classical contexts, it was often used to convey heeding or paying close regard to sounds or words, suggesting a respectful or focused engagement with what is heard. This core idea of intentional listening has remained stable through time, preserved in modern usage where the character retains a formal tone, applied in situations that imply careful reception or thoughtful consideration of auditory information.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

听我的故事。

Qǐng língtīng wǒ de gùshì.

Please listen to my story.

听雨声。

Tā língtīng yǔshēng.

He listens to the sound of rain.

我们听自然的声音。

Wǒmen língtīng zìrán de shēngyīn.

We listen to the sounds of nature.

每天晚上她都听广播。

Měitiān wǎnshàng tā dōu língtīng guǎngbō.

Every evening she listens to the radio.

听他人意见能帮助我们成长。

Língtīng tārén yìjiàn néng bāngzhù wǒmen chéngzhǎng.

Listening to others' opinions can help us grow.

他恭敬地听了教授的教诲。

Tā gōngjìng de língtīng le jiàoshòu de jiàohuì.

He respectfully listened to the professor's teachings.

在会议上大家认真听了报告。

Zài huìyì shàng dàjiā rènzhēn língtīng le bàogào.

At the meeting, everyone seriously listened to the report.

听内心的声音才能找到真正的自己。

Língtīng nèixīn de shēngyīn cáinéng zhǎodào zhēnzhèng de zìjǐ.

Listening to the inner voice is how one can find the true self.