Meanings of 聆
By ear
Play it, then pick what 聆 means.
About 聆
Podcast: 聆
Podcast: 聆
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 聆
聽 (tīng) vs 聆 (líng): Use 聽 for general listening; 聆 emphasizes attentive and appreciative listening.
Learners often mistakenly use 聆 in casual contexts where 听 (tīng) would be more appropriate. 聆 is more formal and is typically used in literary or elevated contexts, such as '聆听' (to listen attentively). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone (líng), not a falling one.
While 聆 is not currently included in the official HSK levels, it relates to other listening-related words like 听 (tīng) and 聽 (tīng) in terms of expanding vocabulary around auditory experiences. Focus on practicing its use in more formal settings or written Chinese to enhance your skills.
Learners may confuse 聆 with 听, using 聆 in inappropriate casual contexts. For example, saying '我聆音乐' (Wǒ líng yīnyuè) should be corrected to '我听音乐' (Wǒ tīng yīnyuè) for casual listening.
Pronunciation of 聆
Drill the tone of 聆 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 聆 to You
Let me explain 聆 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 聆 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 聆
Phonosemantic compound. 耳 represents the meaning and 令 represents the sound.
ear
Origin
聆 = 耳 + 令. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 聆
Parts
Which of these is part of 聆?
How to say to hear, to listen in Chinese
“to hear, to listen” in Chinese is聆
聆 (líng) means 'to hear' or 'to listen' attentively, often implying a deeper understanding or appreciation of what is being heard. This character is commonly used in contexts where careful listening is required, such as in music, speeches, or conversations, emphasizing the act of paying close attention.
When to use 聆
Learners often mistakenly use 聆 in casual contexts where 听 (tīng) would be more appropriate. 聆 is more formal and is typically used in literary or elevated contexts, such as '聆听' (to listen attentively). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone (líng), not a falling one.
聆 or something close to it
聽 (tīng) vs 聆 (líng): Use 聽 for general listening; 聆 emphasizes attentive and appreciative listening.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 聆 with 听, using 聆 in inappropriate casual contexts. For example, saying '我聆音乐' (Wǒ líng yīnyuè) should be corrected to '我听音乐' (Wǒ tīng yīnyuè) for casual listening.
Write 聆
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 聆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 聆
聆 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她在山顶上大声喊着,然后____听着回声.
She shouted on the mountaintop and listened for the echo.
Example Sentences for 聆 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 聆?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 聆
Words with 聆
What does 聆听 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 聆
No, 聆 is more formal and often found in literature or speeches rather than casual dialogue.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 聆?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.