Definitions

yǐng (noun) shadow; reflection
yǐng (noun) image; picture; photograph
yǐng (noun) movie; film

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. The component depicts shadow lines.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "影" for shadow originates from the character "景", which itself is composed of "日" representing the sun and "京" suggesting a high place, together conveying the idea of sunlight or brightness. The addition of the component "彡", denoting streaks or traces, created "影" to specifically designate a shadow or reflection, distinguishing it from the broader semantic range of "景". As usage developed, "景" gradually shifted to primarily mean scenery or view, while "影" solidified its association with shaded images and reflections, with its structural composition remaining consistent.

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢看电

Wǒ xǐhuān kàn diànyǐng.

I like watching movies.

子在阳光下很长。

Yǐngzi zài yángguāng xià hěn cháng.

The shadow is very long in the sunlight.

这部电响深远。

Zhè bù diànyǐng yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn.

This movie has a profound influence.

他学习摄技术。

Tā xuéxí shèyǐng jìshù.

He studies photography techniques.

像显示得很清楚。

Yǐngxiàng xiǎnshì de hěn qīngchǔ.

The image is displayed very clearly.

她的背让我难忘。

Tā de bèiyǐng ràng wǒ nánwàng.

Her back view is unforgettable to me.

评分析了电主题。

Yǐngpíng fēnxī le diànyǐng zhǔtí.

The film review analyzed the movie's theme.

我们在院看了场电

Wǒmen zài yǐngyuàn kàn le chǎng diànyǐng.

We watched a movie at the cinema.