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缨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
yīngtassel, ribbon; to bother, to annoyng, 14 strokes, radical 纟, Very Hard
yīngsth shaped like a tassel (e.g. a leaf etc)unknown, 14 strokes, radical 纟, Very Hard
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
(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.

Strokes14RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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

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

Podcast: 缨

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AI Study Notes for 缨

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 缨?

Decomposition of 缨

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

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 缨?

Write 缨

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

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Cultural Notes for 缨

🏮Cultural insight

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.

Word Family of 缨

Words Containing This Character4
请缨to volunteer for military service請纓
yīngtassel
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.