unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #26670, Very Hard
棱
léng
arris (sharp ridge formed by two surfaces meeting at an edge)
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #26670, Very Hard
棱
léng
protrusion
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #26670, Very Hard
léng(leng2) T2
1squared timber; angle, corner, edge
2square beam
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March 24, 2026
棱(稜)léng(leng2)
The character 棱 (léng) primarily refers to the edges or corners of a solid object, particularly in geometry or construction contexts. It can denote squared timber or beams and is often used to describe sharp ridges formed by the intersection of two surfaces. This term is commonly used in discussions related to architecture and design.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#26670DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the precision of angles and edges is significant, as it reflects the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the builders. The concept of sharp edges (棱) in design is linked to principles of harmony and balance in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a square beam with sharp corners. The character 棱 resembles a beam with its wooden structure, where the horizontal stroke represents the flat surface and the vertical lines signify the edges. Picture lumberjacks cutting beams precisely to ensure all corners (棱) are sharp and well-defined, helping you remember its pronunciation as léng.
Meanings of 棱
léng(leng2)
1squared timber; angle, corner, edge
2square beam
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 棱
棱Simplified
稜Traditional
12Strokes
木Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 棱
Podcast: 棱
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AI Study Notes for 棱
Quick Contrast
棱 (léng) vs 边 (biān) — use 棱 for specific geometric edges or corners, while 边 refers to general sides or edges.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a square beam with sharp corners. The character 棱 resembles a beam with its wooden structure, where the horizontal stroke represents the flat surface and the vertical lines signify the edges. Picture lumberjacks cutting beams precisely to ensure all corners (棱) are sharp and well-defined, helping you remember its pronunciation as léng.
Usage Notes
Learners may confuse 棱 (léng) with similar-sounding words like 梁 (liáng), which means 'beam' in a broader sense. This term is more specific to the angles and edges of beams and solid forms. It is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in technical descriptions in architecture or carpentry.
HSK Study Tips
While 棱 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to words like 角 (jiǎo, corner) and 边 (biān, edge), which are relevant for learners focusing on geometry or construction terms. Students should pay attention to the context in which 棱 is used to understand its specific nuances.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the precision of angles and edges is significant, as it reflects the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the builders. The concept of sharp edges (棱) in design is linked to principles of harmony and balance in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 棱 with similar characters due to pronunciation similarities. For example, using 棱 when they mean 边 is incorrect; instead, remember that 棱 emphasizes sharp edges, while 边 is more about general sides.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棱
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Grammar Patterns of 棱
棱 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
猫刺____一下跑了.
The cat scampered away.
Example Sentences for 棱 (9)
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1
猫刺棱一下跑了.
māo cì léng yī xià pǎo le.
The cat scampered away.
2
以前男模是很帅的——都有着棱角分明的下巴、完美的胸肌和金棕色的皮肤。
yǐ qián nán mó shì hěn shuài de—— —— dū yǒu zháo léng jiǎo fēn míng de xià、 bā 、 wán měi de xiōng jī hé jīn zōng sè de。
Male models used to be gorgeous — all chiselled jaw, perfect pecs and golden tan.
The prism broke the light into all the colors of the rainbow.
9
他的头发胡乱支棱着。
tā de tóu fā hú luàn zhī léng zháo。
His hair sticks up in half a dozen directions.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
The cat scampered away.
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Cultural Notes for 棱
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, the precision of angles and edges is significant, as it reflects the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the builders. The concept of sharp edges (棱) in design is linked to principles of harmony and balance in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 棱
Words Containing This Character17
棱léngcorner稜
棱角léngjiǎoprotrusion稜角
模棱两可equivocal模稜兩可
棱镜prism稜鏡
有棱有角(of a shape) sharp and clearcut有稜有角
三棱镜(triangular) prism三稜鏡
棱柱prism稜柱
扑棱(onom.) fluttering or flapping of wings撲稜
棱锥pyramid (geometry)稜錐
穆棱市Muling county level city in Mudanjiang 牡丹江, Heilongjiang穆稜市
绥棱县Suileng county in Suihua 綏化|绥化, Heilongjiang綏稜縣
穆棱Muling county level city in Mudanjiang 牡丹江, Heilongjiang穆稜
绥棱Suileng county in Suihua 綏化|绥化, Heilongjiang綏稜
模棱ambiguous模稜
丹棱县Danleng County in Meishan 眉山市[MéishānShì], Sichuan丹稜縣
棱台prism稜臺
丹棱Danleng County in Meishan 眉山市[MéishānShì], Sichuan丹稜
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 棱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 棱
棱 can refer to various solid objects, including furniture, buildings, and construction materials that have distinct edges or corners.
棱 is typically used in more technical or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
While 边 refers to the side or edge of an object in general, 棱 specifically denotes the sharp edges or corners, often in relation to solid geometric forms.
