unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #47323, Very Hard
yīng(ying1) T1
1breast, chest; to bear, to undertake
2receive
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March 24, 2026
膺yīng(ying1)
The character 膺 (yīng) primarily means 'breast' or 'chest' and can also convey the idea of 'to bear' or 'to undertake.' It is often used in literary or formal contexts, particularly in phrases related to physical or metaphorical bearing, such as responsibilities or burdens.
Strokes17Radical⺼Frequency#47323DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of 'bearing' is often associated with virtues in Chinese culture, where one is expected to bear responsibilities with honor and dignity, especially in familial and societal contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong warrior (the radical 肉, meaning 'meat' or 'flesh') proudly displaying his chest (膺) as he undertakes a daunting challenge. The sound 'yīng' can be linked to 'yank,' as in pulling on one's strength from the chest.
Meanings of 膺
yīng(ying1)
1breast, chest; to bear, to undertake
2receive
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 膺
膺Simplified
17Strokes
⺼Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 膺
Podcast: 膺
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AI Study Notes for 膺
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong warrior (the radical 肉, meaning 'meat' or 'flesh') proudly displaying his chest (膺) as he undertakes a daunting challenge. The sound 'yīng' can be linked to 'yank,' as in pulling on one's strength from the chest.
Usage Notes
膺 is a formal term and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with related terms like 胸 (xiōng), which is more commonly used for 'chest.' Additionally, ensure proper tone pronunciation, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
While 膺 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be useful for learners at more advanced levels to understand literary texts. Focus on recognizing its components and usage in classical literature to enhance reading comprehension.
Cultural Note
The concept of 'bearing' is often associated with virtues in Chinese culture, where one is expected to bear responsibilities with honor and dignity, especially in familial and societal contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 膺 with 胸, using 膺 in place of 胸 in casual speech. For example, saying '我的膺很大' (Wǒ de yīng hěn dà) instead of '我的胸很大' (Wǒ de xiōng hěn dà) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 膺
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Cultural Notes for 膺
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 'bearing' is often associated with virtues in Chinese culture, where one is expected to bear responsibilities with honor and dignity, especially in familial and societal contexts.
Word Family of 膺
Words Containing This Character4
膺yīngbreast
义愤填膺righteous indignation fills one's breast (idiom); to feel indignant at injustice義憤填膺
服膺to bear in mind
膺选to be elected膺選
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 膺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 膺
No, it is a more formal or literary term and is not commonly used in casual dialogue.
膺 is used in formal contexts, while 胸 is preferred in everyday speech when referring to the chest.
Yes, it can also mean 'to receive' or 'to undertake,' often in a metaphorical sense.
