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鸰 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鸰línglark, wagtail; Motacilla species (various)zg, 10 strokes, radical 鸟
líng(ling2)ling T2
  1. 1lark, wagtail; Motacilla species (various)
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March 24, 2026

鸰(鴒)líng(ling2)

The character 鸰 (líng) refers to a type of bird known as the lark or wagtail, which is recognized for its melodious singing and agile movements. This term is often used in literature and poetry to evoke images of nature and beauty, particularly in the context of spring or joyful scenes. While it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, it has a significant place in Chinese poetry and cultural references.

Strokes10Radical鸟
Cultural note

In Chinese literature, birds like the 鸰 symbolize freedom and the beauty of nature, often used in poems that celebrate the changing seasons. The lark's song is associated with joy and the arrival of spring, reflecting cultural values that appreciate harmony with nature.

Memory tip

Imagine a lark (鸰) soaring through the sky, singing melodiously as it flits from branch to branch. The character features the bird radical (鸟) on the left, reminding you that it's a type of bird, while the right side (灵) suggests a sprightly, lively spirit—perfect for a bird that embodies joy and freedom.

Meanings of 鸰

líng(ling2)
1lark, wagtail; Motacilla species (various)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 鸰

鸰Simplified
鴒Traditional
10Strokes
鸟Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 鸰

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AI study notes for 鸰

Quick Contrast

鸣 (míng) — use 鸰 (líng) for the specific bird known for its singing, while 鸣 (míng) generally refers to the act of chirping or singing without specifying the type of bird.

Usage Notes

鸰 is more likely to appear in literary contexts rather than everyday speech, so be mindful of the register when using it. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar bird names or mispronouncing it as 'lǐng', which can change its meaning. It is usually used in poetic expressions or descriptions of nature.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鸰 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, it can be linked to other animal-related characters like 鸟 (bird) and 鹿 (deer). Students should focus on the context in which 鸰 appears, often in classical literature, to better understand its usage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鸰 with similar bird characters, such as 鸟 (bird) or 鹦 (parrot). Remember that 鸰 specifically refers to the lark or wagtail, not just any bird.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鸰

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Etymology of 鸰

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

bird

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

Origin

鸰 = 鸟 + 令. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 鸰

IDS Structure⿰令鸟
鸰Full character
=
令Ling2
left
鸟diao3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 鸰?

How to say lark, wagtail; Motacilla species (various) in Chinese

“lark, wagtail; Motacilla species (various)” in Chinese is鸰líng

The character 鸰 (líng) refers to a type of bird known as the lark or wagtail, which is recognized for its melodious singing and agile movements. This term is often used in literature and poetry to evoke images of nature and beauty, particularly in the context of spring or joyful scenes. While it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, it has a significant place in Chinese poetry and cultural references.

When to use 鸰

鸰 is more likely to appear in literary contexts rather than everyday speech, so be mindful of the register when using it. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar bird names or mispronouncing it as 'lǐng', which can change its meaning. It is usually used in poetic expressions or descriptions of nature.

鸰 or something close to it

鸣 (míng) — use 鸰 (líng) for the specific bird known for its singing, while 鸣 (míng) generally refers to the act of chirping or singing without specifying the type of bird.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鸰 with similar bird characters, such as 鸟 (bird) or 鹦 (parrot). Remember that 鸰 specifically refers to the lark or wagtail, not just any bird.

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鸰

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Word Family of 鸰

Words containing this character1
鸰línglark鴒

Frequently asked questions about 鸰

鸰 means lark or wagtail, referring to a specific type of bird known for its song.

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