机灵 jīling clever
clever; quick-witted
How to remember 机灵: 机 machine + 灵 spirit = clever.
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How it is used
- 'Clever, sharp, nimble-minded' - 这孩子真机灵 (zhè háizi zhēn jīling) what a sharp kid.
- Colloquial and warm; 灵 toneless (jīling). Describes quick, alert cleverness in everyday situations.
- 机灵一点 (jīling yìdiǎn) 'stay sharp / be on the ball' as friendly advice.