穎 (yǐng) - Sharp, clever, intelligent & outstanding, brilliant

穎Tone 3

yǐng ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

樱咏

穎 · yǐng

Sharp, clever, intelligent;

outstanding, brilliant;

tip, point (of a tool or weapon);

also refers to the awn or beard of grain.

Sharp, clever, intelligentoutstanding, brillianttip, point (of a tool or weapon)

Usage highlights

IntelligentOutstanding talentTo show one's talentSharp and cleverGrain awnNovel and unique

Synonyms

  • 聰— clever, intelligent
  • 慧— wise, intelligent
  • 敏— quick, sharp
  • 智— wisdom, intelligence

Antonyms

  • 笨— stupid, foolish
  • 拙— clumsy, awkward
  • 愚— foolish, stupid

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She is a very intelligent student (聰穎的學生).
  • He showed outstanding talent from a young age (穎悟過人).
  • The new employee quickly became prominent in the company (脫穎而出).
  • This variety of wheat has long awns (穎果).

Collocations

  • Intelligent(聰穎)
  • Outstanding talent(才穎)
  • To show one's talent(脫穎而出)
  • Sharp and clever(穎慧)
  • Grain awn(穎果)
  • Novel and unique(新穎)

Idioms

  • The point of an awl in a bag - talent reveals itself(錐處囊中，其末立見)
  • Outstanding and extraordinary(穎脫而出)
  • Sharp and perceptive(穎悟絕倫)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the tip of grain ears, symbolizing something sharp and outstanding.
  • In imperial examinations, '穎' described candidates who stood out with exceptional intelligence.
  • The character carries positive connotations of intelligence and excellence in Chinese culture.
  • Frequently used in names to express parents' hope for their child to be clever and outstanding.

FAQ