Definitions

líng (adjective) tinkling; clear and resonant sound

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

玲 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic component 王 (the combining form of the jade radical 玉) and the phonetic component 令. It originally described the clear, tinkling sound of jade pieces striking together. Over time, as jade came to symbolize purity, elegance, and value, the character developed secondary meanings of cleverness, nimbleness, and delicate beauty, leading to its common use in female names and adjectives for exquisite things.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是我的同学。

Zhāng Líng shì wǒ de tóngxué.

Zhang Ling is my classmate.

有一个可爱的玩具。

Língling yǒu yī gè kě'ài de wánjù.

Lingling has a cute toy.

她的名字叫王

Tā de míngzi jiào Wáng Líng.

Her name is Wang Ling.

她的声音很珑。

Tā de shēngyīn hěn línglóng.

Her voice is very clear and melodious.

这个小铃铛珑剔透。

Zhège xiǎo língdang línglóng tītòu.

This small bell is exquisitely made.

珑的身材很适合跳舞。

Tā línglóng de shēncái hěn shìhé tiàowǔ.

Her petite and graceful figure is very suitable for dancing.

那块玉石雕刻得珑别致。

Nà kuài yùshí diāokè dé línglóng biézhì.

That piece of jade is carved exquisitely and uniquely.

这件工艺品的珑精巧令人赞叹不已。

Zhè jiàn gōngyìpǐn de línglóng jīngqiǎo lìng rén zàntàn bùyǐ.

The exquisite delicacy of this handicraft makes people marvel endlessly.