Meanings of 聆
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About 聆
Podcast: 聆
Podcast: 聆
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AI Study Notes for 聆
聽 (tīng) vs 聆 (líng): Use 聽 for general listening; 聆 emphasizes attentive and appreciative listening.
Learners often mistakenly use 聆 in casual contexts where 听 (tīng) would be more appropriate. 聆 is more formal and is typically used in literary or elevated contexts, such as '聆听' (to listen attentively). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone (líng), not a falling one.
While 聆 is not currently included in the official HSK levels, it relates to other listening-related words like 听 (tīng) and 聽 (tīng) in terms of expanding vocabulary around auditory experiences. Focus on practicing its use in more formal settings or written Chinese to enhance your skills.
Learners may confuse 聆 with 听, using 聆 in inappropriate casual contexts. For example, saying '我聆音乐' (Wǒ líng yīnyuè) should be corrected to '我听音乐' (Wǒ tīng yīnyuè) for casual listening.
Pronunciation of 聆
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Etymology of 聆
Phonosemantic compound. 耳 represents the meaning and 令 represents the sound.
ear
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 聆
Phonosemantic compound. 耳 represents the meaning and 令 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half耳 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half令 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayear
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 聆? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 聆
Identify the Components
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How to say to hear, to listen in Chinese
“to hear, to listen” in Chinese is聆
聆 (líng) means 'to hear' or 'to listen' attentively, often implying a deeper understanding or appreciation of what is being heard. This character is commonly used in contexts where careful listening is required, such as in music, speeches, or conversations, emphasizing the act of paying close attention.
When to use 聆
Learners often mistakenly use 聆 in casual contexts where 听 (tīng) would be more appropriate. 聆 is more formal and is typically used in literary or elevated contexts, such as '聆听' (to listen attentively). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone (líng), not a falling one.
聆 or something close to it
聽 (tīng) vs 聆 (líng): Use 聽 for general listening; 聆 emphasizes attentive and appreciative listening.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 聆 with 听, using 聆 in inappropriate casual contexts. For example, saying '我聆音乐' (Wǒ líng yīnyuè) should be corrected to '我听音乐' (Wǒ tīng yīnyuè) for casual listening.
Write 聆
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Practice writing 聆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 聆
聆 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 2 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.
Complete the Sentence
她在山顶上大声喊着,然后____听着回声.
She shouted on the mountaintop and listened for the echo.
Example Sentences for 聆 (1)
Word Family of 聆
Compound Meaning
What does 聆听 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 聆
No, 聆 is more formal and often found in literature or speeches rather than casual dialogue.
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