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蜻 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
qīngdragonflyn, 14 strokes, radical 虫, rank #90703, Very Hard
qīng(qing1) T1
  1. 1dragonfly
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
qīng(qing1)

The character 蜻 (qīng) refers specifically to a dragonfly, an insect known for its agile flight and vibrant colors. It is often used in literary contexts and can evoke imagery of nature and tranquility. The term is more commonly found in compound words, such as 蜻蜓 (qīngtíng), which means 'dragonfly.'

Strokes14RadicalFrequency#90703DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, dragonflies symbolize change and new beginnings, often featured in poetry and art. They are also associated with summer and are a common sight near water bodies, which is significant in many traditional Chinese landscapes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a dragonfly buzzing around a bright green field. The character 蜻 has a radical that resembles wings (虫), reminding you of the insect's ability to fly. The 'qīng' sound can be linked to the color green, as dragonflies often inhabit lush, green landscapes.

Meanings of 蜻

qīng(qing1)
1dragonfly
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 蜻

Simplified
14Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蜻

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AI Study Notes for 蜻

Quick Contrast

蜻蜓 (qīngtíng) vs 蝴蝶 (húdié) — use 蜻蜓 specifically for dragonflies, while 蝴蝶 refers to butterflies.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a dragonfly buzzing around a bright green field. The character 蜻 has a radical that resembles wings (虫), reminding you of the insect's ability to fly. The 'qīng' sound can be linked to the color green, as dragonflies often inhabit lush, green landscapes.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 蜻 with similar-looking characters or mispronounce its tone. It is used primarily in informal contexts, especially in descriptions of nature. Remember that the correct pronunciation is important, as the tone can change the meaning in Mandarin.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蜻 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to other nature-related terms you might encounter at this level. Focus on recognizing and using it in context with other animal names, enhancing your vocabulary in describing the environment.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, dragonflies symbolize change and new beginnings, often featured in poetry and art. They are also associated with summer and are a common sight near water bodies, which is significant in many traditional Chinese landscapes.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 蜻 with similar characters like 螳 (táng) meaning 'mantis.' Ensure you remember that 蜻 specifically refers to 'dragonfly.' Additionally, mispronouncing the tone can lead to misunderstanding, so practice the correct 'qīng' tone.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蜻

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Etymology of 蜻

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

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 青 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

insect

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 蜻?

Decomposition of 蜻

IDS Structure⿰虫青
Full Character
=
chong2
left
Qing1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蜻?

Write 蜻

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

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Grammar Patterns of 蜻

蜻 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

蓝____蜒,绿蜻蜒停在空中, 一动也不动,这更增加了这里的神秘气氛.

Blue and green dragonflies, poised in the air, added to the enchantment.

Example Sentences for 蜻 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
蓝蜻蜒,绿蜻蜒停在空中, 一动也不动,这更增加了这里的神秘气氛.

lán qīng yán, , lǜ qīng yán tíng zài kōng, zhōng , yī dòng yě, bù dòng , zhè gēng zēng jiā le zhè lǐ de shén.

Blue and green dragonflies, poised in the air, added to the enchantment.

Cultural Notes for 蜻

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, dragonflies symbolize change and new beginnings, often featured in poetry and art. They are also associated with summer and are a common sight near water bodies, which is significant in many traditional Chinese landscapes.

Word Family of 蜻

Words Containing This Character4
蜻蜓dragonfly
蜻蜓点水superficial contact (idiom)蜻蜓點水
qīngdragonfly
蜻蜓撼石柱lit. the dragon-fly shakes the stone tower (idiom); fig. to overestimate one's capabilities
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 蜻蜓 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蜻

It is pronounced as 'qīng' with a high-level tone.