ling3令
Jyutpingling3
Yaleling
Definition
Glossy, shiny, or reflective.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Primarily describes surfaces that are smooth and reflective, such as polished metal, glass, or patent leather. It implies a high level of cleanliness or maintenance, often used to compliment someone on how well they have polished their shoes or cleaned a surface. While it can describe shiny objects, it is not used to describe people who are physically attractive.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 靚, which means beautiful or pretty. Using 令 to describe a person will cause confusion as it strictly refers to the physical property of light reflection on a surface.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.



