líng

莪

Character · Adjective · NounTraditional靈

agile; efficacious; spirit

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

5 senses · 13 examples
1.

adjective

nimble; quick-witted; clever

neutral

Describes someone who reacts quickly, is dexterous, or has a sharp mind.

Zhè这
hái孩
zi子
de的
shǒu手
hěn很
líng灵
 ,
shén什
me么
dōu都
huì会
zuò做
 。

This child's hands are very nimble; they can do anything.

Tā他
nǎo脑
zi子
líng灵
 ,
xué学
dōng东
xī西
hěn很
kuài快
 。

He's quick-witted and learns things fast.

Show 1 more example
Xiǎo小
gǒu狗
de的
ěr耳
duo朵
hěn很
líng灵
 ,
yī一
yǒu有
shēng声
yīn音
jiù就
xǐng醒
 。

The puppy's ears are very sharp; it wakes up at the slightest sound.

2.

adjective

efficacious; effective; (of a deity) responsive

neutral

Often used to describe gods, prayers, remedies, or methods that work as intended.

Zhè这
ge个
yào药
hěn很
líng灵
 ,
yī一
chī吃
jiù就
hǎo好
 。

This medicine is very effective; you get better as soon as you take it.

Miào庙
lǐ里
de的
pú菩
sà萨
jù据
shuō说
hěn很
líng灵
 。

The bodhisattva in the temple is said to be very responsive (to prayers).

Show 1 more example
Zhè这
ge个
fāng方
fǎ法
bù不
líng灵
 ,
děi得
huàn换
yī一
ge个
 。

This method doesn't work; we need to change it.

3.

noun

spirit; soul; supernatural being

neutral

Refers to the non-physical essence of a living being, a ghost, or a deity.

Rén人
sǐ死
hòu后
hái还
yǒu有
líng灵
hún魂
ma吗
 ?

Do people have a soul after death?

Zhè这
zuò座
shān山
bèi被
rèn认
wéi为
yǒu有
shān山
líng灵
shǒu守
hù护
 。

This mountain is believed to be guarded by a mountain spirit.

Show 1 more example
Tā他
de的
zuò作
pǐn品
chōng充
mǎn满
le了
líng灵
qì气
 。

His works are full of spiritual energy/vitality.

4.

noun

bier; coffin containing a corpse

formal

Used in the context of funerals and mourning.

Qīn亲
yǒu友
men们
zài在
líng灵
qián前
mò默
āi哀
 。

Relatives and friends mourned in silence before the bier.

Qǐng请
bǎ把
huā花
quān圈
fàng放
zài在
líng灵
táng堂
lǐ里
 。

Please place the wreath in the mourning hall.

5.

adjective

(of information) reliable; accurate

neutral

Often used in the phrase "消息灵通" (well-informed).

Tā他
de的
xiāo消
xī息
hěn很
líng灵
tōng通
 。

He is very well-informed.

Zhè这
ge个
qíng情
bào报
lái来
yuán源
hěn很
líng灵
 。

This intelligence source is very reliable.