Chinese Character: 岭
1. Character Basics
Radical: 山 (shān, mountain radical)
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: lǐng (Third tone)
3. Meaning
Mountain ridge; mountain peak; mountain range; hill; height; crest; high ground; elevated land; mountainous terrain; hilltop; mountaintop; summit; mountain chain; ridge line; mountain pass; mountain slope
4. Common Words
- 山岭 (shānlǐng) - Mountain ridge
- 山脉 (shānmài) - Mountain range
- 岭上 (lǐngshàng) - On the ridge
- 岭南 (lǐngnán) - South of the Five Ridges (a region in southern China)
- 岭北 (lǐngběi) - North of the Five Ridges
- 分水岭 (fēnshuǐlǐng) - Watershed
- 大岭 (dàlǐng) - Big ridge
- 山岭地带 (shānlǐng dìdài) - Mountainous area
5. Grammar & Usage
As a noun: Refers to mountain ridges, peaks, or ranges. Often used in geographical terms and compound words related to mountains. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe elevated landforms.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese geography and culture, mountain ranges (岭) have played a significant role in shaping regional identities and cultural boundaries. The "Five Ridges" (五岭, Wǔlǐng) in southern China have historically divided the northern and southern cultural regions. Mountains are also important in Chinese poetry and art, often symbolizing strength, permanence, and natural beauty.
7. Example Sentence
我们爬上了山顶，看到了壮丽的山岭景色。
We climbed to the mountaintop and saw the magnificent mountain ridge scenery.
8. Memory Tips
The character 岭 consists of 山 (shān, mountain) on the left and 令 (lìng, order/command) on the right. Imagine a mountain that commands attention due to its prominent ridge or peak. The 山 radical clearly indicates its connection to mountains, while the right side helps with pronunciation (lǐng is similar to lìng).