Learn a Chinese Character - 铃

1. Character Basics

Radical: 金 (jīn, metal/gold radical)

Stroke Count: 10

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: líng (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Bell; chime; ring; small bell; handbell; doorbell; bell-shaped object; alarm bell; musical instrument; sound of a bell; bell ringer; bell tower; sleigh bells; church bell; school bell; warning bell; decorative bell; signal bell; bell tone; resonant bell

4. Common Words

• 铃铛 (língdang) - Small bell
• 铃声 (língshēng) - Bell sound
• 门铃 (ménlíng) - Doorbell
• 闹钟 (nào zhōng) - Alarm clock
• 风铃 (fēnglíng) - Wind chime
• 摇铃 (yáolíng) - To ring a bell
• 铃铛声 (língdang shēng) - Sound of bells
• 银铃 (yínlíng) - Silver bell

5. Grammar & Usage

As a noun: Refers to various types of bells or bell-shaped objects. Often used in compound words to describe bell-related items or sounds. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts, from everyday objects like doorbells to cultural symbols like temple bells.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, bells (铃) have been important for centuries, serving practical, religious, and cultural purposes. Temple bells are used in Buddhist and Taoist rituals to mark time and create a sense of sacred space. Traditional Chinese musical instruments include various types of bells, such as the bronze bells used in ancient orchestras. Bells also appear in Chinese art and literature as symbols of warning, celebration, or spiritual awakening.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 铃 consists of 金 (jīn, metal) on the left and 令 (lìng, order/command) on the right. Imagine a metal object that produces a sound to give a command or signal. The 金 radical indicates that bells are typically made of metal, while the right side helps with pronunciation (líng is similar to lìng).