令 (lìng) - to order, to command & a decree, an order
令 · lìng
to order, to command;
a decree, an order;
to cause, to make;
season;
good, virtuous;
your (honorific);
a unit of paper (ream)
to order, to commanda decree, an orderto cause, to make
Usage highlights
to orderdecreeambassadorseasonvirtuousyour
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The commander issued an order (命令).
- This is a beautiful season (时令).
- He is a virtuous gentleman (令德君子).
- Your esteemed surname (令姓).
Collocations
- to order(命令)
- decree(法令)
- ambassador(使令)
- season(时令)
- virtuous(令德)
- your (honorific)(令尊, 令堂)
Idioms
- To enforce orders strictly(令行禁止)
- To issue orders by waving a fan(发号施令)
- Seasonal delicacies(时令佳肴)
- Outstanding talent and remarkable appearance(才貌双全，品貌出众)
Cultural background
FAQ- Used as an honorific in addressing others' relatives (e.g., 令尊 'your father', 令堂 'your mother').
- In historical context, '令' was used in official titles (e.g., 县令 'county magistrate').
- Associated with virtue and excellence in classical texts.