Learn a Chinese Character - 领

1. Character Basics

Radical: 页 (yè, page radical)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lǐng (Third tone)

3. Meaning

To lead; to guide; to head; collar; neck; to receive; to get; to understand; to grasp; to comprehend; to command; to direct; to manage; to take charge of; to preside over; to be in charge of; to be responsible for; to take the lead; to pioneer

4. Common Words

• 领导 (lǐngdǎo) - Leader; to lead
• 带领 (dàilǐng) - To lead; to guide
• 衣领 (yīlǐng) - Collar (of clothing)
• 领会 (lǐnghuì) - To understand; to grasp
• 领取 (lǐngqǔ) - To receive; to collect
• 领域 (lǐngyù) - Field; domain; area
• 领土 (lǐngtǔ) - Territory
• 领先 (lǐngxiān) - To lead; to be ahead

5. Grammar & Usage

As a verb: Primarily means "to lead" or "to guide" someone or something. Can also mean "to receive" or "to get" something, as well as "to understand" or "to grasp" a concept. As a noun: Refers to the collar of clothing or a specific domain or area.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of "leading" (领导) has deep historical roots, with strong emphasis on leadership qualities such as wisdom, benevolence, and decisiveness. Traditional Chinese philosophy places great importance on the role of leaders in society, and this is reflected in the frequent use of 领 in compound words related to guidance, management, and authority.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 领 consists of 令 (lìng, order/command) on the left and 页 (yè, page/head) on the right. You can remember this by associating giving commands (令) with leading (领) others. The right side 页 (head) suggests that a leader uses their head (wisdom) to guide others.