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棂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
棂língcarved or patterned window sillsg, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #91766, Very Hard
棂línglatticework on a windowunknown, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #91766, Very Hard
líng(ling2)ling T2
  1. 1carved or patterned window sills
  2. 2latticework on a window
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March 24, 2026

棂(櫺)líng(ling2)

The character 棂 (líng) refers to carved or patterned window sills, often seen in traditional Chinese architecture. It specifically describes the decorative latticework on windows that allows light and air to pass through while maintaining privacy. This term is often used in discussions of architecture and design.

Strokes11Radical木Frequency#91766DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese homes, window latticework serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, reflecting the importance of light and nature in Chinese architecture. Many classic Chinese gardens also feature beautifully designed lattice windows that frame scenic views.

Memory Tip

Imagine a beautiful window with intricate carvings that look like a 'link' (sounds like 'líng') connecting the inside of a room to the outside world, letting in light while offering a view through the lattice. The character's radical 森 (wood) hints at the wooden elements commonly used in such designs.

Meanings of 棂

líng(ling2)
1carved or patterned window sills
2latticework on a window
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 棂

棂Simplified
櫺Traditional
11Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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AI Study Notes for 棂

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 棂 with similar characters that also involve wood or architecture. This term is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. It often appears in discussions about historical buildings and traditional crafts.

HSK Study Tips

While 棂 is not an HSK vocabulary word, understanding it can enrich your knowledge of architectural terms. Focus on the radicals and how they relate to other HSK words involving wood or construction, such as 木 (mù - wood) and 房 (fáng - house).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 棂 with 窗 (chuāng), mistakenly using it to refer to any type of window rather than specifically to latticework. Remember, 棂 refers specifically to the patterned aspect of window design.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 棂

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Etymology of 棂

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)灵
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

棂 = 木 + 灵. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 棂

IDS Structure⿰木灵
棂Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
灵ling2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 棂?

How to say carved or patterned window sills in Chinese

“carved or patterned window sills” in Chinese is棂líng

The character 棂 (líng) refers to carved or patterned window sills, often seen in traditional Chinese architecture. It specifically describes the decorative latticework on windows that allows light and air to pass through while maintaining privacy. This term is often used in discussions of architecture and design.

When to use 棂

Be careful not to confuse 棂 with similar characters that also involve wood or architecture. This term is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. It often appears in discussions about historical buildings and traditional crafts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 棂 with 窗 (chuāng), mistakenly using it to refer to any type of window rather than specifically to latticework. Remember, 棂 refers specifically to the patterned aspect of window design.

Write 棂

棂

Practice writing 棂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 棂

棂 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

晴了一天后,天空又乌云密布,顷刻间便雨打窗____。

After a fine day, the sky had clouded over and suddenly rain lashed against the windows.

Example Sentences for 棂 (1)

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1
晴了一天后,天空又乌云密布,顷刻间便雨打窗棂。

qíng le yī tiān hòu, , tiān kōng yòu wū yún mì, bù , qǐng kè jiān biàn yǔ dǎ。

After a fine day, the sky had clouded over and suddenly rain lashed against the windows.

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Word Family of 棂

Words Containing This Character2
窗棂window lattice窗欞
棂línglatticework on a window櫺
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 棂

What does 窗棂 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 棂

Window latticework is significant as it combines aesthetics with functionality, allowing light and air to enter while providing privacy.

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