HSK 5, nr, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5287, Hard
铃
líng
small bell
HSK 5, nr, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #5287, Hard
líng(ling2) T2
1(small) bell
2small bell
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
Podcast: 铃
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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.
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.
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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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 令 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鈴.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half令 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaybell
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 铃? 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 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?
How to say (small) bell in Chinese
“(small) bell” in Chinese is铃líng
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.
When to use 铃
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).
铃 or something close to it
铃 (líng) vs 钟 (zhōng) — use 铃 for smaller bells or decorative sounds, while 钟 refers to larger bells or clocks.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 铃
铃
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Practice writing 铃 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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 2 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.
