Learn a Chinese Character - 零

1. Character Basics

Radical: 雨 (yǔ, rain radical)

Stroke Count: 13

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: líng (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Zero; nil; nothing; nought; zero point; zero degree; fragment; bits and pieces; odd; leftover; fractional; remaining; to wither; to fall; to drop; scattered; fragmented; change (money); fraction; residual;零星的;零碎的;零头;零钱

4. Common Words

• 零钱 (língqián) - Pocket money; change
• 零分 (língfēn) - Zero points; failing grade
• 零度 (língdù) - Zero degrees
• 零件 (língjiàn) - Spare parts; components
• 零售 (língshòu) - Retail
• 零乱 (língluàn) - Messy; chaotic
• 零散 (língsǎn) - Scattered; fragmented
• 零用钱 (língyòngqián) - Pocket money

5. Grammar & Usage

As a numeral: Represents the number zero in counting and mathematics. As an adjective: Describes something that is fragmented, leftover, or scattered. As a noun: Refers to small change (coins) or residual amounts. Can also be used as a prefix to indicate something is small or fragmented.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of "zero" (零) has evolved over time. Traditional Chinese mathematics had different ways of representing zero, and it wasn't until later that the character 零 became widely used for this purpose. In everyday life, 零 is commonly associated with small change and leftover items. The character also appears in idioms related to starting from nothing or returning to an initial state.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 零 consists of 雨 (yǔ, rain) on top and 令 (lìng, order/command) below. Imagine rain falling in small, scattered drops (like zero points) or think of giving a command to reset something to zero. The 雨 radical can also help you remember that "zero" is a fundamental concept, much like rain is essential for life.