Meanings of 机灵
By ear
Play it, then pick what 机灵 means.
About 机灵
Podcast: 机灵
Podcast: 机灵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 机灵
聪明 (cōngmíng) — use 机灵 for someone who is not only clever but also quick to react in social situations, while 聪明 emphasizes general intelligence.
Be cautious with the tone used when describing someone as 机灵, as it can sometimes imply a mischievous cleverness rather than purely positive intelligence. It is often used in informal contexts, so be mindful of the setting when applying this term. Common collocations include '机灵的孩子' (a clever child) or '机灵的想法' (a quick-witted idea).
As an HSK 6 word, 机灵 connects well with other advanced vocabulary that describes personality traits and intelligence. Students should focus on understanding its nuances compared to synonyms like 聪明 (cōng míng), which is more general for 'smart'.
Learners often confuse 机灵 with 聪明, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他很聪明' (He is very clever) when they specifically mean 'quick-witted' should be replaced with '他很机灵'.
Pronunciation of 机灵
Drill the tone of 机灵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 机灵 to You
Let me explain 机灵 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 机灵 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 机灵?
Learning Lab
Knowing 机灵 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say clever in Chinese
“clever” in Chinese is机灵
机灵 (jī líng) refers to a person who is clever and quick-witted, often able to think on their feet and respond appropriately in various situations. It is commonly used to describe someone who is perceptive and resourceful, particularly in problem-solving or social interactions.
When to use 机灵
Be cautious with the tone used when describing someone as 机灵, as it can sometimes imply a mischievous cleverness rather than purely positive intelligence. It is often used in informal contexts, so be mindful of the setting when applying this term. Common collocations include '机灵的孩子' (a clever child) or '机灵的想法' (a quick-witted idea).
机灵 or something close to it
聪明 (cōngmíng) — use 机灵 for someone who is not only clever but also quick to react in social situations, while 聪明 emphasizes general intelligence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 机灵 with 聪明, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他很聪明' (He is very clever) when they specifically mean 'quick-witted' should be replaced with '他很机灵'.
Write 机灵
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 机灵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 机灵
机灵 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她关掉了煤气,够____的.
She was intelligent enough to turn off the gas.
Example Sentences for 机灵 (2)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 机灵?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 机灵
Yes, 机灵 can describe both children and adults, emphasizing their cleverness in various contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 机灵?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.