Definitions

yíng (verb) to operate; to manage
yíng (noun) camp; barracks
yíng (noun) battalion
yíng (verb) to strive for

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "营", whose traditional form is "營", originates from a pictographic concept representing a military encampment, constructed from components meaning a crown or surround over a fire, visually evoking the idea of a fortified and organized settlement with hearths for sustenance. Its core meaning historically revolved around this military context, specifically denoting barracks, camps, or the act of billeting troops, from which derived an associated sense of careful management and construction required for such endeavors. Over time, this managerial aspect broadened significantly, allowing the character to extend beyond martial affairs into general operations and administration, as seen in terms for running a business or managing an enterprise. This conceptual shift from a physical, defensive space to an abstract activity of organized conduct reflects its adaptation within the language, while its simplified form retained the essential phonetic hint from the upper component but streamlined the lower fire radical.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们在地搭帐篷。

Wǒmen zài yíngdì dā zhàngpeng.

We set up tents at the campground.

水果富含养。

Shuǐguǒ fù hán yíngyǎng.

Fruits are rich in nutrition.

这家商店业到晚上十点。

Zhè jiā shāngdiàn yíngyè dào wǎnshang shí diǎn.

This shop is open until 10 PM.

他经一家小公司。

Tā jīngyíng yī jiā xiǎo gōngsī.

He manages a small company.

士兵们住在军里。

Shìbīngmen zhù zài jūnyíng lǐ.

The soldiers live in the military camp.

消防员救了被困的居民。

Xiāofángyuán yíngjiù le bèi kùn de jūmín.

The firefighters rescued the trapped residents.

他们努力造一个和谐的氛围。

Tāmen nǔlì yíngzào yīgè héxié de fēnwéi.

They strive to create a harmonious atmosphere.

这座城市正在建新的地铁线路。

Zhè zuò chéngshì zhèngzài yíngjiàn xīn de dìtiě xiànlù.

This city is constructing new subway lines.