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March 24, 2026
陵líng(ling2)
The character 陵 (líng) primarily refers to a mound or hill, often in the context of tombs or mausoleums. It is commonly used in historical and cultural references, particularly those related to burial practices in ancient China.
Strokes10Radical阝Frequency#21101DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
陵 is significant in Chinese culture as it relates to ancestral worship and the importance of tomb construction, particularly in dynastic history. The Ming Dynasty's Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is a well-known example of this cultural practice.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ling' (sounds like líng) where ancient kings are laid to rest on a grassy 'mound' (陵). The character's radicals suggest elevation (土 for earth) and structure, symbolizing a sacred place above the ground.
Meanings of 陵
líng(ling2)
1mound
2tomb
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 陵
陵Simplified
10Strokes
阝Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#21101Frequency Rank
Podcast: 陵
Podcast: 陵
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AI Study Notes for 陵
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 陵 with similar characters that denote different kinds of hills or mounds. It is often used in formal contexts, especially related to history. Common collocations include 陵园 (língyuán - cemetery) and 陵墓 (língmù - tomb).
HSK Study Tips
As this character is not in the HSK system, focus on its application in historical contexts and vocabulary building around burial traditions. Relate it to other characters for places or structures to enhance retention.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 陵 with similar characters like 岭 (lǐng - ridge) or 墓 (mù - grave). Remember, 陵 specifically refers to a mound or tomb, not just any hill.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陵
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1The giveawayA hill 阝 where people are laid to rest 夌; 夌 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 陵? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 陵?
Decomposition of 陵
IDS Structure⿰阝夌
陵Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
夌ling2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 陵?
How to say mound in Chinese
“mound” in Chinese is陵líng
The character 陵 (líng) primarily refers to a mound or hill, often in the context of tombs or mausoleums. It is commonly used in historical and cultural references, particularly those related to burial practices in ancient China.
When to use 陵
Be careful not to confuse 陵 with similar characters that denote different kinds of hills or mounds. It is often used in formal contexts, especially related to history. Common collocations include 陵园 (língyuán - cemetery) and 陵墓 (língmù - tomb).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 陵 with similar characters like 岭 (lǐng - ridge) or 墓 (mù - grave). Remember, 陵 specifically refers to a mound or tomb, not just any hill.
Write 陵
陵
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Practice writing 陵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 陵
陵 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 5 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
从我们的房子里向外望去，景色宜人，一直能看到科茨沃尔德丘____。
Our house has got a splendid view across to the Cotswolds.
