Meanings of 萤
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 萤
Podcast: 萤
Podcast: 萤
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 萤
萤 (yíng, firefly) vs 灯 (dēng, lamp) — use 萤 when referring to the natural insect that produces light, and 灯 when referring to an artificial light source.
While 萤 is mostly used in poetic or descriptive contexts, it can sometimes be confused with other insects. Make sure to use it in informal or literary settings, as it may sound overly romantic in formal writing. Common collocations include 萤火虫 (yínghuǒchóng), meaning firefly.
Although 萤 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners interested in nature and literature. Students should focus on recognizing the character's components and its phonetic pronunciation, as well as exploring other related nature terms.
Learners often confuse 萤 with similar characters like 蜻 (qīng), which refers to dragonflies. Remember that 萤 specifically denotes fireflies, while 蜻 is related to dragonflies. Another common mistake is mispronouncing the tone; ensure it's pronounced with a rising tone (yíng).
Pronunciation of 萤
Drill the tone of 萤 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 萤
insect
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 萤
- 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
- 2The giveawayinsect
- 3On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 萤? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 萤?
Decomposition of 萤
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 萤?
How to say firefly, glow-worm in Chinese
“firefly, glow-worm” in Chinese is萤
The character 萤 (yíng) refers to a firefly or glow-worm, which are small insects known for their ability to produce light. This term is often used in literary contexts to evoke imagery of natural beauty and the magic of summer nights. It can also symbolize fleeting moments of light or joy in life.
When to use 萤
While 萤 is mostly used in poetic or descriptive contexts, it can sometimes be confused with other insects. Make sure to use it in informal or literary settings, as it may sound overly romantic in formal writing. Common collocations include 萤火虫 (yínghuǒchóng), meaning firefly.
萤 or something close to it
萤 (yíng, firefly) vs 灯 (dēng, lamp) — use 萤 when referring to the natural insect that produces light, and 灯 when referring to an artificial light source.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 萤 with similar characters like 蜻 (qīng), which refers to dragonflies. Remember that 萤 specifically denotes fireflies, while 蜻 is related to dragonflies. Another common mistake is mispronouncing the tone; ensure it's pronounced with a rising tone (yíng).
Write 萤
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 萤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 萤
Compound Meaning
What does 萤火虫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 萤
It is pronounced as 'yíng' with a rising tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 萤?
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.