灵 (líng) - spirit, soul & supernatural

灵Tone 2

líng ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 彐

林伦

灵 · líng

spirit, soul;

supernatural;

efficacious;

clever, quick-witted;

agile;

divine;

bier (coffin).

spirit, soulsupernaturalefficacious

Usage highlights

SpiritEfficacious medicineDivine powerClever and quickSacred mountainFuneral hall

Synonyms

  • 魂— soul, spirit
  • 神— god, deity, spirit
  • 效— effect, efficacy

Antonyms

  • 笨— stupid, dull
  • 拙— clumsy, awkward
  • 呆— dull, slow-witted

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She is very clever (聪明).
  • This medicine is very effective (灵验).
  • We visited a sacred mountain (灵山).
  • The funeral procession carried the bier (灵柩).

Collocations

  • Spirit(灵魂)
  • Efficacious medicine(灵药)
  • Divine power(灵力)
  • Clever and quick-witted(机灵)
  • Sacred mountain(灵山)
  • Funeral hall(灵堂)

Idioms

  • Extremely clever and intelligent(心灵手巧)
  • Divine assistance(灵丹妙药)
  • The soul returns(灵机一动)
  • A person of great intelligence(钟灵毓秀)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Daoism, 'ling' refers to spiritual power and efficacy, often associated with deities and immortals.
  • Traditionally used in contexts of ancestral worship and funeral rites (e.g., 灵位 - spirit tablet).
  • Considered an auspicious character in names, implying intelligence, spiritual connection, and efficacy.

FAQ