lin2鍊
Jyutpinglin2
Yalelín
Definition
To smelt, refine, or harden metal with fire.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
Beyond its literal metallurgical sense, this character is frequently used in the context of self-improvement or training, such as in 鍛鍊. It carries a sense of refining or tempering one's character or physical body through hardship or repetitive practice. It is distinct from the more common 練, which focuses on practicing a skill.
Examples
He is working hard to smelt the steel.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 鍊 with 練 because they share the same pronunciation. Remember that 鍊 specifically involves fire or the process of refining materials, whereas 練 is used for practicing skills or sports.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
