在天之灵 (zài tiān zhī líng) — (noun phrase) the spirit of the deceased, departed soul (used in respectful or commemorative contexts)

Definition

A set phrase meaning 'the spirit of the deceased' in heaven — used in formal, commemorative contexts (eulogies, memorials, tributes), never in daily speech.

noun
(noun phrase) the spirit of the deceaseddeparted soul (used in respectful or commemorative contexts)

Examples

  • 在天之灵，。
    Wǒ men gào wèi zài tiān zhī líng, nín ān xī ba.
    We pay tribute to your departed soul — may you rest in peace.
  • 在天之灵。
    Yuàn zài tiān zhī líng bǎo yòu wǒ men yí qiè shùn lì.
    May the spirit of the departed bless everything to go smoothly for us.
  • ，在天之灵。
    Wǒ men yào jì chéng tā de yí zhì, yǐ gào zài tiān zhī líng.
    We must carry on his unfinished aspirations, so as to comfort his soul in heaven.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

The early form of 在 used 才 for its sound; a second sound part 士 was added later, and that 士 became the 土 seen in 在.

Open 在 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
大大dà
Sound part声符shēngfú
丁
丁dīng天tiān
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The shape comes from a frontal standing man 大 with a head; 天 pairs 大 with 丁 for sound.

Open 天 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape pairs 止, a foot, with 一, a beginning place, and means to go.

Open 之 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 靈; 灵 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
玉玉yùjade
Sound part声符shēngfú
霝
霝líng靈líng
Same sound today

This note describes the traditional form 靈, not the simplified 灵: 霝 gives the sound, and 玉 (jade) is the meaning part.

Open 灵 →

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