clever, smart; shiver, startle
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesadjective
clever; smart; quick-witted; intelligent
Describes a person (often a child) who is bright, alert, and responds quickly. Often used in the form 机灵 (the more standard writing).
Zhè这
hái孩
zi子
guài怪
jī机
ling伶
de的
，
yī一
diǎn点
jiù就
tōng通
。
This child is very clever; he understands everything immediately.
Tā她
zhǎng长
zhe着
yī一
shuāng双
jī机
ling伶
de的
dà大
yǎn眼
jing睛
。
She has a pair of big, intelligent eyes.
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Nà那
zhī只
jī机
ling伶
de的
xiǎo小
gǒu狗
yī一
xià下
zi子
jiù就
xué学
huì会
le了
wò握
shǒu手
。
That smart little dog learned to shake hands right away.
verb
to shiver; to tremble; to startle (variant of 激灵)
informalUsed to describe a sudden involuntary movement caused by cold, fear, or surprise. Often used with the verb 打 (dǎ) as 打机伶/打激灵. This usage is less common than the 'clever' meaning and is considered colloquial.
Tā他
xià吓
de得
dǎ打
le了
ge个
jī机
ling伶
。
He was so scared that he gave a sudden shiver.
Hán寒
fēng风
chuī吹
lái来
，
tā她
bù不
jīn禁
jī机
ling伶
le了
yī一
xià下
。
When the cold wind blew, she couldn't help but shiver.