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March 24, 2026
司令sīlìng(si1ling4)
司令 (sīlìng) refers to a commanding officer, usually in a military context. This term is commonly used to denote someone who has authority over troops or operations, and it can also be applied in a broader sense to leaders in various organizations or contexts.
Frequency#9238DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The term 司令 is often associated with China's military history and the significant role of commanding officers during various historical conflicts, reflecting the hierarchical structure prevalent in the military.
Memory Tip
Think of 司 (sī) as a 'leader' with a 'command' over the situation, while 令 (lìng) sounds like 'link,' suggesting the ability to connect and command people. Picture a commanding officer linking together troops for a successful mission.
Meanings of 司令
sīlìng(si1ling4)
1commanding officer
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 司令
司令Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9238Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 司令
Podcast: 司令
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AI Study Notes for 司令
Quick Contrast
指挥 (zhǐhuī) vs 司令 (sīlìng): 指挥 emphasizes the act of directing or commanding operations, while 司令 specifically refers to a commanding officer with authority over troops.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 司 (sī) as a 'leader' with a 'command' over the situation, while 令 (lìng) sounds like 'link,' suggesting the ability to connect and command people. Picture a commanding officer linking together troops for a successful mission.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 司令 is pronounced with a high (first) tone followed by a falling (fourth) tone. It is generally used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 司令部 (sīlìngbù - command headquarters) and 空军司令 (kōngjūn sīlìng - air force commander).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 司令 connects well with other military-related vocabulary such as 军队 (jūnduì - army) and 指挥 (zhǐhuī - command). Students should focus on understanding its usage in both military and organizational contexts.
Cultural Note
The term 司令 is often associated with China's military history and the significant role of commanding officers during various historical conflicts, reflecting the hierarchical structure prevalent in the military.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 司令 with similar terms like 领导 (lǐngdǎo - leader) and may use them interchangeably. Remember, 司令 is specifically for military or high-command contexts, while 领导 is broader and can apply to any leader.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 司令
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Grammar Patterns of 司令
司令 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
蒙博托出身行伍，通过一级级晋升，最终成为了陆军____。
Mobutu ascended through the ranks, eventually becoming commander of the army.
Example Sentences for 司令 (5)
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1
蒙博托出身行伍，通过一级级晋升，最终成为了陆军司令。
mēng bó tuō chū shēn háng wǔ， ， tōng guò yī jí jí jìn， shēng ， zuì zhōng chéng wéi le lù jūn。
Mobutu ascended through the ranks, eventually becoming commander of the army.
2
他爬上司令塔, 两眼象见鬼似的亮得近乎病态.
tā pá shàng sī líng tǎ, , liǎng yǎn xiàng jiàn guǐ sì de liàng dé jìn hū bìng.
He climbed into the conning tower, his eyes haunted and sickly bright.
3
如果电台司令乐队的每首歌都像这首这么棒的话，那它很快便会家喻户晓了。
rú guǒ diàn tái sī líng lè duì de měi shǒu gē dū xiàng zhè shǒu zhè mó bàng de huà， ， nà tā hěn kuài biàn huì jiā yù hù xiǎo。
If every tune from Radiohead is as good as this one is, it can't be long before they are household names.
By 2040 , cabernet sauvignon will flourish where Riesling does now.
Cultural Notes for 司令
🏮Cultural insight
The term 司令 is often associated with China's military history and the significant role of commanding officers during various historical conflicts, reflecting the hierarchical structure prevalent in the military.
Frequently Asked Questions about 司令
While it is primarily used in military settings, it can also refer to leaders in various organizations.
司令 typically denotes a higher rank or position of authority, while 指挥 refers more to the act of commanding or directing.
It is best to avoid using 司令 in informal settings, as it carries a formal and authoritative connotation.
