缨 (yīng) - Tassel, cord, ribbon & something that ties or binds

缨Tone 1

yīng ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

嘤樱

缨 · yīng

Tassel, cord, ribbon;

something that ties or binds;

to bind or tie;

in ancient times, referred to a decorative cord on headgear or clothing.

Tassel, cord, ribbonsomething that ties or bindsto bind or tie

Usage highlights

Red tasselCap tasselLong tasseled spearTo bind oneself to serviceTasseled hatSilk ribbon

Synonyms

  • 穗— tassel, fringe (more general term)
  • 带— ribbon, belt (broader term for straps)

Antonyms

  • 解— to untie, release (opposite of binding)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The red tassel on the hat (帽缨) swayed in the wind.
  • She wore a hair ribbon (缨子) in her braid.
  • The general was bound by the imperial command (缨命).
  • He received the cap and tassel (冠缨) upon passing the imperial examination.

Collocations

  • Red tassel(红缨)
  • Cap tassel(冠缨)
  • Long tasseled spear(长缨)
  • To bind oneself to service(请缨)
  • Tasseled hat(缨帽)
  • Silk ribbon(缨络)

Idioms

  • To volunteer for a mission(请缨)
  • To be bound by worldly affairs(尘缨羁绊)
  • To wash the cap strings(濯缨)
  • The long tassel captures the enemy(长缨缚敌)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, '缨' (tassels) were status symbols on official hats and ceremonial dress.
  • The phrase '请缨' (to volunteer) originates from a Han dynasty story of a youth requesting a long cord to capture an enemy king.
  • The character appears in classical poetry, often symbolizing scholarly achievement or official rank.

FAQ