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灵魂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
灵魂línghúnsoulHSK 7, n, 20 strokes, rank #1200, Very Hard
灵魂línghúnspiritHSK 7, n, 20 strokes, rank #1200, Very Hard
línghún(ling2hun2)ling hun T2
  1. 1soul
  2. 2spirit
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March 24, 2026

灵魂(靈魂)línghún(ling2hun2)

灵魂 (línghún) refers to the soul or spirit, often associated with one's essence or consciousness. It is commonly used in philosophical, spiritual, or emotional contexts, reflecting a person's inner being or vitality.

Strokes20Frequency#1200DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 灵魂 is closely tied to beliefs about the afterlife and ancestral worship, reflecting a deep reverence for the spirit that continues beyond physical existence.

Memory tip

Think of 灵 (líng) as 'spiritual energy' and 魂 (hún) as 'a wandering spirit.' Imagine a glowing spirit (灵) that floats freely, embodying the essence of who we are (魂). This visual can help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 灵魂

línghún(ling2hun2)
1soul
2spirit
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 灵魂

灵魂Simplified
靈魂Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1200Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 灵魂

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Podcast: 灵魂

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AI study notes for 灵魂

Quick Contrast

幽灵 (yōulíng) vs 灵魂 (línghún): Choose 灵魂 when referring to the essence or spirit of a person, while 幽灵 denotes a ghost or apparition, emphasizing a supernatural entity.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 灵魂 with similar words like 精神 (jīngshén), which means 'spirit' in a more energetic sense. The term is neutral and may be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often used in discussions of philosophy or religion.

HSK Study Tips

As a HSK Level 6 word, 灵魂 connects with other vocabulary related to consciousness and identity. Focus on its use in philosophical texts or discussions to deepen understanding and context.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 灵魂 with 魂 alone, forgetting that 灵魂 is the complete term for 'soul.' For example, saying '我相信魂在这里' (I believe the soul is here) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我相信灵魂在这里.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 灵魂

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Component characters

灵língquick
HSK 77 strokes彐
View full entry
魂húnsoul, spirit
HSK 713 strokes鬼
View full entry

How to say soul in Chinese

“soul” in Chinese is灵魂línghún

灵魂 (línghún) refers to the soul or spirit, often associated with one's essence or consciousness. It is commonly used in philosophical, spiritual, or emotional contexts, reflecting a person's inner being or vitality.

When to use 灵魂

Be careful not to confuse 灵魂 with similar words like 精神 (jīngshén), which means 'spirit' in a more energetic sense. The term is neutral and may be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often used in discussions of philosophy or religion.

灵魂 or something close to it

幽灵 (yōulíng) vs 灵魂 (línghún): Choose 灵魂 when referring to the essence or spirit of a person, while 幽灵 denotes a ghost or apparition, emphasizing a supernatural entity.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 灵魂 with 魂 alone, forgetting that 灵魂 is the complete term for 'soul.' For example, saying '我相信魂在这里' (I believe the soul is here) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我相信灵魂在这里.'

Write 灵魂

灵
魂

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

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Grammar patterns of 灵魂

灵魂 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他无视传统基督教的肉体与____的二元论。

He ignores the traditional Christian dualism between body and soul.

Example sentences for 灵魂 (10)

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1
他无视传统基督教的肉体与灵魂的二元论。

tā wú shì chuántǒng jīdūjiào de ròu tǐ yǔ línghún de èr yuán lún。

He ignores the traditional Christian dualism between body and soul.
2
那个管弦乐团现在更有纪律性了,却丧失了灵魂。

nàge guǎn xián lè tuán xiànzài gèng yǒu jìlǜ xìng le, què sàngshī le línghún。

The orchestra has more discipline now, but at the expense of spirit.
3
希腊人相信灵魂不灭。

xī là rén xiāngxìn línghún bù miè。

The Greeks accepted belief in the immortality of the soul.
4
她去为亡夫的灵魂祈祷。

tā qù wèi wáng fū de línghún qídǎo。

She went to pray for the soul of her late husband.
5
上天会把你带走,看着你,对你说,只有一件事可以让灵魂完整,那就是爱。

shàng tiān huì bǎ nǐ dài zǒu, kàn zhe nǐ, duì nǐ shuō, zhǐyǒu yī jiàn shì kěyǐ ràng línghún wánzhěng, nà jiùshì ài。

Heaven will take you back and look at you and say, "Only one thing can make a soul complete—and that thing is love."
6
在那晚春,我的灵魂也离我而去.

zài nà wǎn chūn, wǒ de línghún yě lí wǒ ér qù.

I also lost my soul there, at end of spring.
7
除了漫漫游荡和不染利禄,你说还有什么足以慰藉灵魂?

chúle màn mànyóu dàng hé bù rǎn lì lù, nǐ shuō háiyǒu shénme zúyǐ wèijiè línghún?

What do you suppose will satisfy the soul, except to walk free and on no superior?
8
俯下身,拾起遗落一地的灵魂,用英文怎样说?

fǔ xià shēn, shè qǐ yí là yī dì de línghún, yòng yīngwén zěnyàng shuō?

Bend down and pick up souls down all ground.
9
相当长的察汗多雅奥义书发展了灵魂轮回的观念.

xiāngdāng cháng de chá hàn duō yǎ ào yì shū fāzhǎn le línghún lún huí de guānniàn.

The fairly long Chhandogya - upanishad develops the idea of transmigration of souls.
10
她的灵魂在颤抖,但她还是抬起头来.

tā de línghún zài chàndǒu, dàn tā háishi tái qǐ tóu lái.

Her soul cringed but she raised her head.

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Frequently asked questions about 灵魂

It's not commonly used in casual conversation but appears in discussions of philosophy, literature, or spirituality.

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