颖 (yǐng) - Ingenious, clever & outstanding talent

颖Tone 3

yǐng ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

樱咏

颖 · yǐng

Ingenious, clever;

outstanding talent;

sharp point (of a tool);

tip (of a brush, spear, etc.

);

also refers to the awn of grain.

Ingenious, cleveroutstanding talentsharp point (of a tool)

Usage highlights

IntelligentOutstanding talentNovel and uniqueIngenious and outstandingTipped brushSharp point

Synonyms

  • 聪— clever, intelligent
  • 慧— wise, intelligent
  • 敏— quick, agile (mentally)

Antonyms

  • 钝— dull, blunt
  • 愚— foolish, stupid

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She is a very intelligent and clever student (聪颖的学生).
  • His talent is outstanding (才华颖异).
  • The new product has a novel and unique design (设计新颖).
  • The wheat awns are very sharp (麦颖很锋利).

Collocations

  • Intelligent(聪颖)
  • Outstanding talent(颖才)
  • Novel and unique(新颖)
  • Ingenious and outstanding(颖异)
  • Tipped brush(颖毫)
  • Sharp point(锋颖)

Idioms

  • To reveal one's talent, to stand out(脱颖而出)
  • Outstandingly intelligent(颖悟绝伦)
  • A person of outstanding talent(颖脱之士)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the sharp tip of a grain ear, symbolizing something that stands out.
  • By extension, it came to signify intelligence, talent, and a novel or unique quality.
  • Frequently used in given names, especially for girls, to denote intelligence and a bright, promising future.

FAQ