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铃 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
铃líng(small) bellHSK 5, nr, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5287, Hard
铃líng>只[zhī]HSK 5, nr, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5287, Hard
铃língsmall bellHSK 5, nr, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5287, Hard
líng(ling2) T2
  1. 1(small) bell
  2. 2>只[zhī]
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
铃(鈴)líng(ling2)

The character 铃 (líng) refers to a small bell, often used in various contexts such as decoration, signaling, or music. It can be found in phrases related to sound or alerts, commonly associated with festive occasions or musical instruments. Understanding this character can also enhance comprehension of related words and expressions in everyday Mandarin.

Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#5287DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, bells are often associated with celebrations and good fortune. They are commonly used in traditional festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, to create a festive atmosphere.

Memory Tip

Imagine a small, shiny bell (铃) hanging from a Christmas tree, tinkling softly as you walk by. The top of the character looks like a tiny roof, suggesting something small and delightful is inside, just like the bell hidden within its shape.

Meanings of 铃

líng(ling2)
1(small) bell
2small bell
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 铃

铃Simplified
鈴Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#5287Frequency Rank
只Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 铃

JasonAmy

Podcast: 铃

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 铃

Quick Contrast

铃 (líng) vs 钟 (zhōng) — use 铃 for smaller bells or decorative sounds, while 钟 refers to larger bells or clocks.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a small, shiny bell (铃) hanging from a Christmas tree, tinkling softly as you walk by. The top of the character looks like a tiny roof, suggesting something small and delightful is inside, just like the bell hidden within its shape.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 铃 with similar-sounding words in Mandarin. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is most commonly associated with lighter, cheerful situations. Common collocations include 铃声 (líng shēng - sound of a bell) and 铃铛 (líng dāng - bell).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 铃 connects with other vocabulary related to sounds and music. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in phrases and understanding its role in expressing auditory experiences in Mandarin.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, bells are often associated with celebrations and good fortune. They are commonly used in traditional festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, to create a festive atmosphere.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 铃 with similar-sounding words or mispronounce it as 'lìng'. Always remember the correct tone is 'líng', as in a gentle tinkling sound, not a sharp or harsh one.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 铃

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Etymology of 铃

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 令 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鈴.

Memory Hint

bell

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 铃?

Decomposition of 铃

IDS Structure⿰钅令
铃Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
令Ling2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 铃?

Write 铃

铃

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 铃

铃 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 3 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

听见____声，他马上跑进教室了。

Hearing the bell, he immediately ran into the classroom.

Common Confusions with 铃

铃vs灵
líng

Same pronunciation but different meanings.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "(small) bell"?

or

Example Sentences for 铃 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我正在写信，电话铃响了。

wǒ zhèng zài xiě xìn， ， diàn huà líng xiǎng。

While I was working on my letter the telephone rang.
2
你知道，瑞士不仅仅只有牛铃声和约德尔调歌声。

nǐ zhī dào， ， ruì shì bù jǐn jǐn zhī yǒu niú líng shēng hé yuē dé ěr tiáo gē。

Switzerland isn't all cow bells and yodelling, you know.
3
马铃薯仍然是最受欢迎的食物，其次是白面包。

mǎ líng shǔ réng rán shì zuì shòu huān yíng de shí wù， ， qí cì shì bái miàn。

Potatoes are still the most popular food, followed by white bread.
4
他刚一进去，与门相连的门铃便嗡嗡作响。

tā gāng yī jìn qù， ， yǔ mén xiāng lián de mén líng biàn wēng wēng zuò。

His entrance was announced by a buzzer connected to the door.
5
就在那时，房前传来一声铃。

jiù zài nà shí， ， fáng qián chuán lái yī shēng。

At that moment a chime sounded from the front of the house.
6
他按铃叫保安放他出去。

tā àn líng jiào bǎo ān fàng tā chū qù。

He rang for the guard to let him out.
7
“我想我听到电话铃在响。”——“好的，我明白你的意思了。”

“ “ wǒ xiǎng wǒ tīng dào diàn huà líng zài。”——“ xiǎng 。”——“， hǎo de ， wǒ míng bái nǐ de。”

"I think I hear the telephone ringing."—"Okay, I can take a hint."
8
现在专家们都在赞美其貌不扬的马铃薯的种种好处。

xiàn zài zhuān jiā mén dū zài zàn měi qí mào bù yáng de mǎ líng shǔ de zhǒng zhǒng hǎo chǔ。

Now experts are extolling the virtues of the humble potato.
9
他跳着上了台阶，按下了门铃。

tā tiào zháo shàng le tái jiē， ， àn xià le mén。

He bounded up the steps and pushed the bell of the door.
10
她还没来得及按门铃，门就开了。

tā huán méi lái dé jí àn mén líng， ， mén jiù kāi。

The door was opened before she could ring the bell.

Cultural Notes for 铃

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, bells are often associated with celebrations and good fortune. They are commonly used in traditional festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, to create a festive atmosphere.

Word Family of 铃

Words Containing This Character17
铃líng(small) bell鈴
铃声língshēngring鈴聲
马铃薯potato馬鈴薯
门铃ménlíngdoorbell門鈴
铃铛little bell鈴鐺
铃木Suzuki (Japanese surname)鈴木
警铃alarm bell警鈴
哑铃dumbbell (weight)啞鈴
杠铃gànglíngbarbell槓鈴
掩耳盗铃to deceive oneself掩耳盜鈴
五十铃Isuzu五十鈴
电铃diànlíngelectric bell電鈴
棉铃cotton boll (fruit)棉鈴
铃兰lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)鈴蘭
车铃bicycle bell車鈴
解铃还须系铃人fig. whoever started the trouble should end it解鈴還須繫鈴人
红铃虫pink bollworm紅鈴蟲
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 铃 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 铃

铃 refers specifically to small bells, while 钟 refers to larger bells, like those found in clock towers.