Learn a Chinese Character - 令

1. Character Basics

Radical: 人 (rén, person radical)

Stroke Count: 5

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lìng (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Order; command; to order; to command; to cause; to make; to allow; to let; to permit; to enable; to make possible; decree; edict; mandate; instruction; directive; order; regulation; rule; law; statute; ordinance; proclamation; announcement; notice; sign; indication; token; signal; gesture; expression; look; appearance; manner; bearing; demeanor; carriage; mien; air; aspect; face; countenance

4. Common Words

• 命令 (mìnglìng) - Order; command
• 口令 (kǒulìng) - Password; watchword
• 令郎 (lìngláng) - Your son (polite)
• 县令 (xiànlìng) - County magistrate (in ancient times)
• 司令 (sīlìng) - Commander
• 法令 (fǎlìng) - Law; decree
• 令牌 (lìngpái) - Command token; pass
• 令人 (lìngrén) - To make people; to cause one to

5. Grammar & Usage

As a verb: Means "to order" or "to command" someone to do something. Can also mean "to cause" or "to make" something happen. As a noun: Refers to an order, command, or edict. In formal contexts, it can also be used as a polite term of address, especially when referring to someone else's family members.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of "命令" (command) has deep historical roots, reflecting traditional hierarchical structures in society. In ancient China, edicts and commands from rulers were considered absolute and binding. The character 令 is also used in traditional Chinese titles, such as 县令 (county magistrate), which was an important local official position in imperial China.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 令 has 5 strokes. You can remember it by visualizing a person (人) giving instructions or commands. The top part is "人" and the bottom part can be seen as a stylized representation of a command being given. This association helps link the character's form to its meaning of "order" or "command".