Definitions

lǐng (verb) to lead; to guide
lǐng (noun) neck; collar
lǐng (verb) to receive

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is the simplified form of , a phonosemantic compound. The semantic component (yè, from ) means "head", and (lìng) provides the sound. Originally, it denoted the neck. Because the neck supports and turns the head, and by association the collar of a garment, the meaning extended to guiding, leading, and receiving. Today it commonly refers to leadership, collars, and taking possession of things.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

着我们参观。

Tā lǐng zhe wǒmen cānguān.

He led us on a tour.

取了新的护照。

Wǒ lǐngqǔ le xīn de hùzhào.

I collected my new passport.

这件衬衫的子很干净。

Zhè jiàn chènshān de lǐngzi hěn gānjìng.

The collar of this shirt is very clean.

这位导非常关心员工。

Zhè wèi lǐngdǎo fēicháng guānxīn yuángōng.

This leader cares a lot about the employees.

她终于悟了其中的道理。

Tā zhōngyú lǐngwù le qízhōng de dàolǐ.

She finally understood the principle behind it.

他率团队完成了艰巨的任务。

Tā shuàilǐng tuánduì wánchéng le jiānjù de rènwù.

He led the team to complete the arduous mission.

两国之间的土争端已经持续多年。

Liǎng guó zhī jiān de lǐngtǔ zhēngduān yǐjīng chíxù duō nián.

The territorial dispute between the two countries has lasted for many years.

这项技术的先地位源自持续创新。

Zhè xiàng jìshù de lǐngxiān dìwèi yuán zì chíxù chuàngxīn.

The leading position of this technology stems from continuous innovation.