聆 líng to hear
to hear; to listen
How to remember 聆: 耳 ear + 令 command = to hear. The dog lifts one ear at his owner's command and sits perfectly still, ready to hear.
Component breakdown
聆 = 耳 ear + 令 command
- 耳 ear
- 令 command
The dog lifts one ear at his owner's command and sits perfectly still, ready to hear.
How it is used
- Bound, formal verb for attentive/respectful listening - 聆听 (língtīng) to listen (to a speech, teaching, music).
- Register is elevated: you 聆听 a leader's address or a masterwork, not casual chat. Contrast plain 听 (tīng), the everyday "hear/listen."