Meanings of 凉
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 凉
Podcast: 凉
Podcast: 凉
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 凉
冷 (lěng) - use 凉 (liáng) for a milder sense of coolness, while 冷 (lěng) implies a more intense coldness.
Imagine a chilly breeze blowing through a mountain valley, making you feel 'liáng' (凉) and refreshed. The left part of the character, 容, can represent a 'container' for cool air, while the right part, 凉, resembles a flowing river that brings coolness.
Common mistakes include confusing 凉 with 冷 (lěng), which specifically means 'cold' in a more severe sense. 凉 is often used in casual contexts, such as discussing the weather, while 冷 might be used in more serious discussions. Be mindful of using the correct tone; mispronunciation can change the meaning.
Though not explicitly included in HSK levels, 凉 connects with basic vocabulary regarding weather and emotions. Students at lower levels should focus on its pronunciation and common phrases like 凉快 (liángkuai - cool and pleasant) to strengthen their basic conversational skills.
In Chinese culture, the concept of coolness is often associated with comfort, especially in hot summers, where people seek凉快 (liángkuai) places. Traditional Chinese medicine also views temperature as important to health, with 'cool' foods often recommended for hot conditions.
Learners often confuse 凉 with the character 冷 (lěng). For example, saying '今天很冷' (jīntiān hěn lěng) when describing a pleasant cool day is incorrect; it should be '今天很凉' (jīntiān hěn liáng).
Pronunciation of 凉
Drill the tone of 凉 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 凉
Phonosemantic compound. 冫 represents the meaning and 京 represents the sound. Simplified form of 涼.
ice
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 凉?
Decomposition of 凉
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 凉?
Write 凉
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 凉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 凉
凉 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
cold water
...
这是凉的水。
This is cold water.
Complete the Sentence
房间外边比里边____快一些。
Outside the room is somewhat cooler than inside.
Common Confusions with 凉
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Similar sound but refers to food.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "the five Liang of the Sixteen Kingdoms, namely: Former Liang 前涼"?
Example Sentences for 凉 (10)
Cultural Notes for 凉
In Chinese culture, the concept of coolness is often associated with comfort, especially in hot summers, where people seek凉快 (liángkuai) places. Traditional Chinese medicine also views temperature as important to health, with 'cool' foods often recommended for hot conditions.
Word Family of 凉
Compound Meaning
What does 凉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 凉
凉 (liáng) generally refers to a mild coolness, often associated with comfort, while 冷 (lěng) means cold in a more extreme sense. When describing temperature, 凉 is used for pleasant coolness, such as a refreshing drink, whereas 冷 might refer to something that is uncomfortably cold.