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March 24, 2026
年龄(年齡)niánlíng(nian2ling2)
年龄 (niánlíng) refers to a person's age, indicating how many years they have lived. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing someone's age or when asking about it. This term is essential in social interactions, as age often plays a significant role in how individuals relate to one another in Chinese culture.
Strokes19Frequency#2479DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, age is particularly important, often reflecting respect and social status. Elders are highly regarded, and knowing someone's 年龄 can determine the level of politeness used during conversation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a calendar (年 nián) flipping one page for each year of life, showing how 'age' (龄 líng) increases over time. The character 年 looks like a tree (木) with a root (丿) beneath it, symbolizing growth as time passes, while 龍 (lóng) can remind you of the wisdom that comes with age.
Meanings of 年龄
niánlíng(nian2ling2)
1(a person's) age
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About 年龄
年龄Simplified
年齡Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2479Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 年龄
Podcast: 年龄
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AI Study Notes for 年龄
Quick Contrast
岁 (suì) — use 年龄 (niánlíng) for a more formal context, while 岁 (suì) is typically used in casual conversations.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 年龄 with other terms for age, such as 岁 (suì), which is more casual. Remember to use the appropriate measure word; for example, '他的年龄是二十岁' (tā de niánlíng shì èrshí suì) means 'His age is 20 years.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 年龄 connects with other vocabulary related to personal information, such as 性别 (xìngbié, gender) and 职业 (zhíyè, occupation). Focus on using it in sentences and questions regarding age to build fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 年龄 and 岁, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的年龄是三岁' (wǒ de niánlíng shì sān suì) is incorrect; instead, use '我三岁' (wǒ sān suì) for age in a casual context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 年龄
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年龄 (niánlíng) refers to a person's age, indicating how many years they have lived. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing someone's age or when asking about it. This term is essential in social interactions, as age often plays a significant role in how individuals relate to one another in Chinese culture.
When to use 年龄
A common mistake is confusing 年龄 with other terms for age, such as 岁 (suì), which is more casual. Remember to use the appropriate measure word; for example, '他的年龄是二十岁' (tā de niánlíng shì èrshí suì) means 'His age is 20 years.'
年龄 or something close to it
岁 (suì) — use 年龄 (niánlíng) for a more formal context, while 岁 (suì) is typically used in casual conversations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 年龄 and 岁, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的年龄是三岁' (wǒ de niánlíng shì sān suì) is incorrect; instead, use '我三岁' (wǒ sān suì) for age in a casual context.
Write 年龄
年
龄
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Grammar Patterns of 年龄
年龄 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.
