(líng) — (adjective) quick, alert, sharp; smart; (adjective) efficacious; effective; (of a prediction) to come true; (noun) spirit; soul; departed soul

Definition

灵 covers two ideas: 'sharp, quick-witted' (mind, senses) — close to 灵敏 — and 'spirit/soul' (the animating essence in 灵魂).

adjective
quickalertsharpsmartefficaciouseffective(of a prediction) to come true
noun
spiritsouldeparted soul

Examples

  • Tā de bí zi hěn líng, shén me wèi dào dōu wén dé chū lái.
    His nose is very sharp—he can smell any scent.
  • Zhè ge piān fāng dào dǐ líng bù líng? nǐ shì guò ma?
    Does this folk remedy actually work? Have you tried it?
  • Gǔ dài rén xiāng xìn wàn wù dōu yǒu líng.
    Ancient people believed that everything has a spirit.

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.