Definitions

líng (noun) bell; small bell

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "铃" derives from the phonetic element "令" and the semantic element "金", denoting metal, which collectively reflected its original reference to metal bells. In its traditional form "鈴", the metal radical is fully expressed, while the simplified form "铃" utilizes the abbreviated radical "钅", yet both retain the phonetic indicator that guides pronunciation. Initially signifying small metallic bells often used as ornaments, signals, or on animals, the term's semantic range expanded over centuries to include any device producing a similar clear, ringing sound, such as doorbells or electronic alerts, thus preserving its auditory essence while accommodating technological advancements.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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

我听到了声。

Wǒ tīng dào le líng shēng.

I heard the ringtone.

清脆的声突然响起。

Qīngcuì de língshēng túrán xiǎngqǐ.

A clear and crisp ringing sound suddenly rang out.

上课声响了,快回教室。

Shàngkè língshēng xiǎng le, kuài huí jiàoshì.

The class bell has rung; go back to the classroom quickly.

她把自行车按得很响。

Tā bǎ zìxíngchē líng àn de hěn xiǎng.

She pressed the bicycle bell very loudly.

小狗的脖子上挂了个小铛。

Xiǎo gǒu de bózi shàng guà le gè xiǎo língdang.

The puppy has a small bell hanging on its neck.

在微风中发出悦耳的声音。

Fēnglíng zài wēifēng zhōng fāchū yuè'ěr de shēngyīn.

The wind chime makes a pleasant sound in the breeze.

他摇了摇手,召集大家集合。

Tā yáo le yáo shǒu líng, zhàojí dàjiā jíhé.

He shook the handbell to gather everyone.

兰花在清晨散发着幽香。

Línglán huā zài qīngchén sànfā zhe yōu xiāng.

The lily of the valley emits a delicate fragrance in the early morning.