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映 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
映yìngto reflect (light)HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 日, rank #9571, Very Hard
映yìngto shineHSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 日, rank #9571, Very Hard
映yìngto project (an image onto a screen etc)HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 日, rank #9571, Very Hard
映yìngto project; to reflect; to shineHSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 日, rank #9571, Very Hard
映yìngold variant of 映[yìng]HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 日, rank #9571, Very Hard
yìng(ying4) T4
  1. 1to reflect (light)
  2. 2to shine
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

映yìng(ying4)

The character 映 (yìng) primarily means 'to reflect' or 'to shine,' often in the context of light or images. It is commonly used when discussing reflections in water, projections onto screens, or anything that shines or glimmers. The nuance often includes the idea of clarity or vividness in the reflection.

Strokes9Radical日Frequency#9571DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of reflection is significant in poetry and art, symbolizing introspection and beauty. 映 is often used in idiomatic expressions that evoke imagery of nature and emotion, reflecting the importance of harmony in Chinese aesthetics.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bright light shining on a mirror, creating a vivid reflection. The character 映 resembles a light bulb (the top part) shining on a surface (the bottom part). The sound 'yìng' can remind you of 'ink' which can also reflect light when wet.

Meanings of 映

yìng(ying4)
1to reflect (light)
2to shine
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 映

映Simplified
9Strokes
日Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9571Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 映

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Podcast: 映

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 映

Quick Contrast

映 (yìng) vs 反射 (fǎnshè) — use 映 for clarity and vividness in reflections, while 反射 refers more generally to the physical process of reflection.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone, as 'yìng' (fourth tone) is different from similar-sounding words. This character is often used in more formal contexts, such as literature or art discussions, as well as in everyday conversations about reflections and projections. Common collocations include 映出 (to project), and 映像 (image).

HSK Study Tips

Although 映 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, it connects with words related to light and images, which students may encounter at HSK Level 3 and above. Focus on using it in phrases and understanding its role in compound words to reinforce learning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 映 with 影 (yǐng), which means 'shadow' or 'image.' For example, saying 映子 (yìng zǐ) instead of 影子 (yǐng zǐ) for 'shadow' is a common error.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 映

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Etymology of 映

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

Phonosemantic compound. 日 represents the meaning and 央 represents the sound. Simplified form of 暎.

Memory Hint

sun

Semantic (meaning)日
+
Phonetic (sound)央
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 映

Phonosemantic compound. 日 represents the meaning and 央 represents the sound. Simplified form of 暎.

  1. 1The meaning half日 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half央 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaysun
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 映? 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 映?

Decomposition of 映

IDS Structure⿰日央
映Full Character
=
日Ri4
left
央yang1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 映?

How to say to reflect (light) in Chinese

“to reflect (light)” in Chinese is映yìng

The character 映 (yìng) primarily means 'to reflect' or 'to shine,' often in the context of light or images. It is commonly used when discussing reflections in water, projections onto screens, or anything that shines or glimmers. The nuance often includes the idea of clarity or vividness in the reflection.

When to use 映

Be cautious with the tone, as 'yìng' (fourth tone) is different from similar-sounding words. This character is often used in more formal contexts, such as literature or art discussions, as well as in everyday conversations about reflections and projections. Common collocations include 映出 (to project), and 映像 (image).

映 or something close to it

映 (yìng) vs 反射 (fǎnshè) — use 映 for clarity and vividness in reflections, while 反射 refers more generally to the physical process of reflection.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 映 with 影 (yǐng), which means 'shadow' or 'image.' For example, saying 映子 (yìng zǐ) instead of 影子 (yǐng zǐ) for 'shadow' is a common error.

Write 映

映

Practice writing 映 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 映

映 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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

Complete the Sentence

这部电影最早在1957年上____，后被翻拍为《七侠荡寇志》。

Originally released in 1957, the film was remade as "The Magnificent Seven".

Common Confusions with 映

映vs影
yǐng

Similar sound but different meaning.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "to reflect (light)"?

or

Example Sentences for 映 (28)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这部电影最早在1957年上映，后被翻拍为《七侠荡寇志》。

zhè bù diàn yǐng zuì zǎo zài1957 1957 nián shàng， yìng ， hòu bèi fān《 pāi wéi 《 qī xiá》。

Originally released in 1957, the film was remade as "The Magnificent Seven".
2
我们将在电影节期间展映13部经典老片.

wǒ mén jiāng zài diàn yǐng jié qī jiān zhǎn yìng13 13 bù jīng diǎn lǎo.

During the festival, we'll be showing 13 classic oldie films.
3
咱们去看电影吧，本周在上映一部好片子。

zán mén qù kàn diàn yǐng bā， ， běn zhōu zài shàng yìng yī bù hǎo piàn。

Let's go to the cinema— there's a good film on this week.
4
他在那部长期播映的连续剧里的角色最为人所熟悉。

tā zài nà bù cháng qī bō yìng de lián xù jù lǐ de jiǎo sè zuì wéi rén suǒ shú xī。

He was best-known for his role in the long-running television series.
5
那面镜子里好像映现出很多个他的影像。

nà miàn jìng zǐ lǐ hǎo xiàng yìng xiàn chū hěn duō gè tā de yǐng xiàng。

His image seemed to be reflected many times in the mirror.
6
船会停靠在那里，映衬在一片波澜不兴的湛蓝海水之中。

chuán huì tíng kào zài nà lǐ， ， yìng chèn zài yī piàn bō lán bù xīng de zhàn lán hǎi shuǐ zhī。

The ship would lie there mirrored in a perfectly unmoving glossy sea.
7
这种态度如果不能反映内心的认知和把握就毫无价值。

zhè zhǒng tài dù rú guǒ bù néng fǎn yìng nèi xīn de rèn zhī hé bǎ wò jiù háo wú jià zhí。

Such attitudes are valueless unless they reflect inner cognition and certainty.
8
她在梦中焦虑不安，反映了她白天生活的基调。

tā zài mèng zhōng jiāo lǜ bù ān， ， fǎn yìng le tā bái tiān shēng huó de jī。

Her dreams were troubled, reflecting the tenor of her waking hours.
9
我给他私下里放映了那部电影。

wǒ gěi tā sī xià lǐ fàng yìng le nà bù diàn yǐng。

I gave him a private showing of the film.
10
每棵树、每堵墙和每道栅栏都在白得耀眼的田野映衬下十分夺目。

měi kē shù、 、 měi dǔ qiáng hé měi dào zhà lán dū zài bái dé yào yǎn de tián yě yìng chèn xià shí fēn duó。

Every tree, wall and fence stood out against dazzling white fields.
11
湖面平静得像镜子，阳光映在水上，闪闪发光。

Hú miàn píngjìng de xiàng jìngzi, yángguāng yìng zài shuǐ shàng, shǎnshǎn fāguāng.

The lake surface was as calm as a mirror, and the sunlight reflected on the water, sparkling brightly.
12
月光映在雪地上，使整个夜晚显得格外明亮。

Yuèguāng yìng zài xuědì shàng, shǐ zhěnggè yèwǎn xiǎnde géwài míngliàng.

The moonlight reflected on the snow, making the whole night appear particularly bright.
13
夕阳的光辉映在河面上，河水闪烁着金色的光芒。

Xīyáng de guānghuī yìng zài hémiàn shàng, héshuǐ shǎnshuò zhe jīnsè de guāngmáng.

The glow of the sunset reflects on the river, making the water sparkle with a golden light.
14
玻璃窗上映着城市的灯火，好像是一幅动人的夜景画。

Bōlí chuāng shàng yìng zhe chéngshì de dēnghuǒ, hǎoxiàng shì yī fú dòngrén de yèjǐng huà.

The city lights are reflected in the glass window, like a captivating night scene painting.
15
她的眼睛像两颗星星，映着房间里的烛光，显得格外明亮。

Tā de yǎnjīng xiàng liǎng kē xīngxīng, yìng zhe fángjiān lǐ de zhúguāng, xiǎnde géwài míngliàng.

Her eyes are like two stars, reflecting the candlelight in the room, appearing exceptionally bright.
16
湖面映出蓝天白云，仿佛地面上有另一个天空。

Húmiàn yìng chū lántiān báiyún, fǎngfú dìmiàn shàng yǒu lìng yīgè tiānkōng.

The lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if there is another sky on the ground.
17
湖面平静得像镜子，阳光映在水上，闪闪发光。

Hú miàn píngjìng de xiàng jìngzi, yángguāng yìng zài shuǐ shàng, shǎnshǎn fāguāng.

The lake surface was as calm as a mirror, and the sunlight reflected on the water, sparkling brightly.
18
月光映在雪地上，使整个夜晚显得格外明亮。

Yuèguāng yìng zài xuědì shàng, shǐ zhěnggè yèwǎn xiǎnde géwài míngliàng.

The moonlight reflected on the snow, making the whole night appear particularly bright.
19
夕阳的光辉映在河面上，河水闪烁着金色的光芒。

Xīyáng de guānghuī yìng zài hémiàn shàng, héshuǐ shǎnshuò zhe jīnsè de guāngmáng.

The glow of the sunset reflects on the river, making the water sparkle with a golden light.
20
玻璃窗上映着城市的灯火，好像是一幅动人的夜景画。

Bōlí chuāng shàng yìng zhe chéngshì de dēnghuǒ, hǎoxiàng shì yī fú dòngrén de yèjǐng huà.

The city lights are reflected in the glass window, like a captivating night scene painting.
21
她的眼睛像两颗星星，映着房间里的烛光，显得格外明亮。

Tā de yǎnjīng xiàng liǎng kē xīngxīng, yìng zhe fángjiān lǐ de zhúguāng, xiǎnde géwài míngliàng.

Her eyes are like two stars, reflecting the candlelight in the room, appearing exceptionally bright.
22
湖面映出蓝天白云，仿佛地面上有另一个天空。

Húmiàn yìng chū lántiān báiyún, fǎngfú dìmiàn shàng yǒu lìng yīgè tiānkōng.

The lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if there is another sky on the ground.
23
湖面平静得像镜子，阳光映在水上，闪闪发光。

Hú miàn píngjìng de xiàng jìngzi, yángguāng yìng zài shuǐ shàng, shǎnshǎn fāguāng.

The lake surface was as calm as a mirror, and the sunlight reflected on the water, sparkling brightly.
24
月光映在雪地上，使整个夜晚显得格外明亮。

Yuèguāng yìng zài xuědì shàng, shǐ zhěnggè yèwǎn xiǎnde géwài míngliàng.

The moonlight reflected on the snow, making the whole night appear particularly bright.
25
夕阳的光辉映在河面上，河水闪烁着金色的光芒。

Xīyáng de guānghuī yìng zài hémiàn shàng, héshuǐ shǎnshuò zhe jīnsè de guāngmáng.

The glow of the sunset reflects on the river, making the water sparkle with a golden light.
26
玻璃窗上映着城市的灯火，好像是一幅动人的夜景画。

Bōlí chuāng shàng yìng zhe chéngshì de dēnghuǒ, hǎoxiàng shì yī fú dòngrén de yèjǐng huà.

The city lights are reflected in the glass window, like a captivating night scene painting.
27
她的眼睛像两颗星星，映着房间里的烛光，显得格外明亮。

Tā de yǎnjīng xiàng liǎng kē xīngxīng, yìng zhe fángjiān lǐ de zhúguāng, xiǎnde géwài míngliàng.

Her eyes are like two stars, reflecting the candlelight in the room, appearing exceptionally bright.
28
湖面映出蓝天白云，仿佛地面上有另一个天空。

Húmiàn yìng chū lántiān báiyún, fǎngfú dìmiàn shàng yǒu lìng yīgè tiānkōng.

The lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if there is another sky on the ground.

Word Family of 映

Words Containing This Character18
反映fǎnyìngto mirror
上映shàngyìngto screen
映yìngto shine
放映fàngyìngto screen
首映premiere (of a movie)
首映式premiere of a movie
公映public screening (of a movie)
映射to shine on
播映to televise
放映室cinema room
试映trial screening試映
映衬antithesis映襯
映照to shine upon
辉映to reflect輝映
掩映hidden from view
倒映to reflect (producing an inverted image)
映入眼帘(idiom) to greet the eye映入眼簾
映像reflection
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 反映 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 映

Common phrases include 映像 (image), 映出 (to project), and 映射 (to reflect).

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