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缨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
缨yīngtassel, ribbon; to bother, to annoyng, 14 strokes, radical 纟
缨yīngsth shaped like a tassel (e.g. a leaf etc)unknown, 14 strokes, radical 纟
yīng(ying1) T1
  1. 1tassel, ribbon; to bother, to annoy
  2. 2sth shaped like a tassel (e.g. a leaf etc)
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March 24, 2026

缨(纓)yīng(ying1)

The character 缨 (yīng) primarily refers to a tassel or ribbon, often used in traditional Chinese clothing or decorative crafts. It can also denote something that resembles a tassel, such as certain types of leaves. In a broader context, it can imply bothering or annoying someone, making it versatile in usage.

Strokes14Radical纟
Cultural Note

Tassels (缨) are often found on traditional Chinese hats and garments, symbolizing status and elegance in historical Chinese culture. They are also used in festive decorations during celebrations like the Lunar New Year.

Memory Tip

Imagine a vibrant tassel (缨) hanging from a fancy Chinese hat. The top of the tassel is made of many ribbons (绳) that sway gently when you move. The sound 'yīng' can be remembered by thinking of a cheerful string of ribbons dancing in the wind, making you feel happy instead of annoyed.

Meanings of 缨

yīng(ying1)
1tassel, ribbon; to bother, to annoy
2sth shaped like a tassel (e.g. a leaf etc)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 缨

缨Simplified
纓Traditional
14Strokes
纟Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 缨

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Podcast: 缨

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AI Study Notes for 缨

Usage Notes

In informal contexts, 缨 is often used to describe decorative elements, while in formal contexts, it might be used metaphorically to express annoyance. Be cautious with the tone, as it requires a level tone (first tone) to convey its meaning correctly. Common collocations include '缨带' (yīngdài) for 'tassel ribbon.'

HSK Study Tips

Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, 缨 connects with other characters related to clothing and decoration. Students should focus on its visual elements and associations with traditional Chinese attire to enhance memory retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 缨 with similar sounding characters. For example, saying 'yǐng' instead of 'yīng' changes the meaning entirely. Always remember to use the first tone for correct pronunciation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 缨

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Etymology of 缨

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

thread

Semantic (meaning)纟
+
Phonetic (sound)婴
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 缨

  1. 1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half婴 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaythread
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 缨? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 缨?

Decomposition of 缨

IDS Structure⿰纟婴
缨Full Character
=
纟si1
left
婴ying1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 缨?

How to say tassel, ribbon; to bother, to annoy in Chinese

“tassel, ribbon; to bother, to annoy” in Chinese is缨yīng

The character 缨 (yīng) primarily refers to a tassel or ribbon, often used in traditional Chinese clothing or decorative crafts. It can also denote something that resembles a tassel, such as certain types of leaves. In a broader context, it can imply bothering or annoying someone, making it versatile in usage.

When to use 缨

In informal contexts, 缨 is often used to describe decorative elements, while in formal contexts, it might be used metaphorically to express annoyance. Be cautious with the tone, as it requires a level tone (first tone) to convey its meaning correctly. Common collocations include '缨带' (yīngdài) for 'tassel ribbon.'

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 缨 with similar sounding characters. For example, saying 'yǐng' instead of 'yīng' changes the meaning entirely. Always remember to use the first tone for correct pronunciation.

Write 缨

缨

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 缨

Words Containing This Character4
请缨to volunteer for military service請纓
缨yīngtassel纓
李缨Li Ying (1963-), Japanese-educated Chinese documentary film director李纓
马缨花Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin)馬纓花
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 请缨 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 缨

缨 is used to describe decorative tassels or ribbons, especially in clothing and crafts.

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