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楹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
yíngpillar, columnq, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #85850, Very Hard
yíng(ying2) T2
  1. 1pillar, column
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
yíng(ying2)

The character 楹 (yíng) refers to a pillar or column, especially one that supports a structure. It is commonly used in architectural contexts to describe the vertical supports in traditional Chinese buildings, symbolizing strength and stability.

Strokes13RadicalFrequency#85850DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, columns such as those referred to by 楹 are not only structural but also decorative, often adorned with intricate carvings that reflect cultural beliefs and artistic values.

Memory Tip

Imagine a strong and tall pillar holding up a beautiful roof. The left part of the character, 木 (mù), means wood, which is often used to construct pillars, while the right part, 亘 (gèn), can remind you of something extending vertically. Picture a 'yíng' pillar stretching upward, supporting the roof of a grand temple.

Meanings of 楹

yíng(ying2)
1pillar, column
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 楹

Simplified
13Strokes
Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 楹

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 楹

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a strong and tall pillar holding up a beautiful roof. The left part of the character, 木 (mù), means wood, which is often used to construct pillars, while the right part, 亘 (gèn), can remind you of something extending vertically. Picture a 'yíng' pillar stretching upward, supporting the roof of a grand temple.

Usage Notes

When using 楹, it's important to remember that it is more commonly seen in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to architecture. Be mindful of the tone; it is pronounced in the second tone (yíng), which may be confused with the first tone if not pronounced correctly.

HSK Study Tips

Although 楹 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it is beneficial to learn this character alongside other words related to architecture and structure. Focus on the radicals and their meanings to build a stronger understanding of related characters.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, columns such as those referred to by 楹 are not only structural but also decorative, often adorned with intricate carvings that reflect cultural beliefs and artistic values.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 楹 with similar-looking characters like 影 (yǐng), which means 'shadow.' Always remember that 楹 is related to pillars and structures, while 影 pertains to shadows or reflections.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 楹

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Etymology of 楹

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

wood

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 楹?

Decomposition of 楹

IDS Structure⿰木盈
Full Character
=
Mu4
left
ying2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 楹?

Write 楹

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 楹

楹 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

大街的两旁种着蓝花____,绽放的花朵汇成一片紫色的海洋。

The avenues lined with jacaranda trees burst into a carnival of purple.

Example Sentences for 楹 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
大街的两旁种着蓝花楹,绽放的花朵汇成一片紫色的海洋。

dà jiē de liǎng páng zhǒng zháo lán huā yíng, , zhàn fàng de huā duǒ huì chéng yī piàn zǐ sè de hǎi。

The avenues lined with jacaranda trees burst into a carnival of purple.

Cultural Notes for 楹

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese architecture, columns such as those referred to by 楹 are not only structural but also decorative, often adorned with intricate carvings that reflect cultural beliefs and artistic values.

Word Family of 楹

Words Containing This Character2
yíngpillar
楹联couplet (hung on the columns of a hall)楹聯
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 楹 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 楹

Common phrases include '柱楹' (zhù yíng) meaning 'pillar' and '楹联' (yíng lián) which refers to couplets often placed on pillars.