Meanings of 伶俐
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 伶俐
Podcast: 伶俐
Podcast: 伶俐
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 伶俐
机灵 (jīling) — use 伶俐 (línglì) for a more playful or charming cleverness, while 机灵 (jīling) often implies a shrewdness or cunning.
Imagine a clever little 'ling' (伶) with a shiny 'li' (俐) light bulb above its head, symbolizing bright ideas and quick wit. Picture this character as the life of a party, always ready with a smart comeback or a witty joke.
伶俐 is generally used in informal contexts and can describe people, especially children or young adults, who show quick intelligence. Be careful not to confuse it with 聪明 (cōngmíng), which is more about overall intelligence without the playful nuance. Avoid saying someone is 伶俐 when discussing serious topics.
As an HSK 6 word, 伶俐 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to intelligence and personality traits. Students should focus on using it in context, such as describing a friend's quick thinking or a child's cleverness in a playful setting.
In Chinese culture, being clever and witty is often celebrated, especially in social interactions. People appreciate humor and the ability to think on one's feet, making 伶俐 a desirable trait.
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 伶俐 in a serious context where 聪明 (cōngmíng) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '他的工作表现很伶俐' (His work performance is very clever) is incorrect; it should be '他的工作表现很聪明'.
Pronunciation of 伶俐
Drill the tone of 伶俐 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
Write 伶俐
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 伶俐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 伶俐
伶俐 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
他是个不错的小伙子——聪明____而且性格开朗。
He was a nice lad — bright and with a sunny disposition.
Example Sentences for 伶俐 (2)
Cultural Notes for 伶俐
In Chinese culture, being clever and witty is often celebrated, especially in social interactions. People appreciate humor and the ability to think on one's feet, making 伶俐 a desirable trait.
Frequently Asked Questions about 伶俐
Yes, while it's often used for children or young people, you can also describe adults as 伶俐, especially in casual contexts.