Learn a Chinese Character - 陵

1. Character Basics

Radical: 阝 (fù, ear radical)

Stroke Count: 10

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: líng (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Mausoleum; tomb; hill; mound; imperial tomb; mountain; ridge; elevation; burial site; cemetery; grave; sepulchre; tumulus; barrow; hillock; knoll; rise; eminence

4. Common Words

• 陵墓 (língmù) - Mausoleum; tomb
• 丘陵 (qiūlíng) - Hills; rolling country
• 陵园 (língyuán) - Cemetery; mausoleum park
• 陵寝 (língqǐn) - Imperial mausoleum
• 陵墓群 (língmù qún) - Group of mausoleums
• 陵谷变迁 (línggǔ biànqiān) - Changes in the landscape; time passing
• 陵庙 (língmiào) - Mausoleum temple
• 陵土 (língtǔ) - Grave soil

5. Grammar & Usage

As a noun: Primarily refers to mausoleums, tombs, or hills. Often used in compound words related to burial sites or geographical features. In historical contexts, it specifically refers to imperial mausoleums, showing respect for the deceased.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, 陵 (líng) holds significant importance as it often refers to imperial mausoleums, which were elaborate structures built to honor deceased emperors. These mausoleums were not just burial sites but also symbols of imperial power and the afterlife beliefs of ancient China. Famous examples include the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (with the Terracotta Army) and the Ming Tombs near Beijing.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 陵 consists of 阝 (fù, ear radical) on the left and 夌 (líng) on the right. The 阝 radical here is related to land or geographical features. The right side 夌 helps with pronunciation and can be associated with "high" or "rising". Imagine a high, prominent burial site or hill.