Meanings of 机灵
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About 机灵
Podcast: 机灵
Podcast: 机灵
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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
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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
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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.
Complete the Sentence
她关掉了煤气,够____的.
She was intelligent enough to turn off the gas.
Example Sentences for 机灵 (2)
Frequently Asked Questions about 机灵
Yes, 机灵 can describe both children and adults, emphasizing their cleverness in various contexts.
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