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March 24, 2026
颖(穎)Yǐng(Ying3)
The character 颖 (yǐng) primarily refers to the tip or point of something, such as a grain or a rice tassel. It is also used as a surname and can describe someone who is clever, talented, or outstanding. In contexts of personal attributes, it conveys a sense of sharpness or brilliance, making it suitable for describing gifted individuals.
Strokes13Radical页Frequency#32028DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, names with the character 颖 are often chosen to reflect a person's intelligence or potential, emphasizing the value placed on education and talent.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp tip of a pencil (the 'point') that is able to produce clever ideas. The character 颖 looks like a person with a sharp mind, as the top parts suggest a 'head' and 'sharpness', representing intelligence and talent.
Meanings of 颖
Yǐng(Ying3)
1head of grain
2husk
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 颖
颖Simplified
穎Traditional
13Strokes
页Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#32028Frequency Rank
Podcast: 颖
Podcast: 颖
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AI Study Notes for 颖
Quick Contrast
聪明 (cōngmíng, clever) vs 聪慧 (cōnghuì, wise) — use 颖 when emphasizing sharpness or brilliance in talent, while 聪明 focuses on cleverness and 聪慧 on wisdom.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sharp tip of a pencil (the 'point') that is able to produce clever ideas. The character 颖 looks like a person with a sharp mind, as the top parts suggest a 'head' and 'sharpness', representing intelligence and talent.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 颖 with similar-sounding characters, such as 应 (yìng). It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but is more often seen in literary or academic discussions regarding talent. Be mindful of the third tone (ǐ) to avoid mispronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
While 颖 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK 4 terms related to intelligence and talent, such as 聪明 (cōngmíng, clever). Focus on recognizing its use in contexts discussing personal attributes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, names with the character 颖 are often chosen to reflect a person's intelligence or potential, emphasizing the value placed on education and talent.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 颖 with other similar characters, leading to misunderstandings. For example, confusing it with 影 (yǐng, shadow) due to the similar pronunciation. Always remember that 颖 relates to sharpness or intelligence, while 影 refers to shadows.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 颖
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Grammar Patterns of 颖
颖 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 9 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他们的作品一如既往地引人入胜、气韵潇洒、新____别致，不会让你失望。
Their work has all the usual punch, panache and flair you'dexpect.
Example Sentences for 颖 (6)
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1
他们的作品一如既往地引人入胜、气韵潇洒、新颖别致，不会让你失望。
tā mén de zuò pǐn yī rú jì wǎng dì yǐn rén rù shèng、 、 qì yùn xiāo、 sǎ 、 xīn yǐng， bié zhì ， bù huì ràng。
Their work has all the usual punch, panache and flair you'dexpect.
How about this hand - embroidered tapestry with a new design of bamboo?
Cultural Notes for 颖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, names with the character 颖 are often chosen to reflect a person's intelligence or potential, emphasizing the value placed on education and talent.
Word Family of 颖
Words Containing This Character11
脱颖而出tuōyǐng’érchūto rise above others脫穎而出
新颖xīnyǐnglit. new bud新穎
颖Yǐnghusk穎
聪颖smart聰穎
关颖珊Michelle Kwan (1980-), former American figure skater, Olympic medalist關穎珊
邓颖超Deng Yingchao (1904-1992), Chinese communist leader, wife of Zhou Enlai 周恩來|周恩来鄧穎超
王颖Wayne Wang (1949-), Chinese US film director王穎
孔颖达Kong Yingda (574-648), Confucian scholar孔穎達
颖悟bright穎悟
颖果grain穎果
颖上县Yingshang county in Anhui穎上縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 脱颖而出 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 颖
It is pronounced as yǐng, with a third tone.
Yes, 颖 is commonly used as a given name for girls, often implying intelligence or beauty.
You might see it in phrases describing exceptional talent, such as 颖慧 (yǐnghuì, bright and clever).
