ling4稜
Jyutpingling4
Yalelìhng
Definition
Edge; corner or square beam.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Refers primarily to the sharp edge or corner of an object, but is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone with a difficult or unyielding personality. When used in a figurative sense, it implies a person who refuses to compromise or smooth over their rough edges to fit in with others. While the character 稜 is technically a variant of 棱, both are used interchangeably in modern writing to denote these physical or character-based edges.
Examples
The edges of this table are very sharp, be careful not to bump into them.
Related words
Common phrases
having sharp, well-defined edges or a very distinct, uncompromising personality
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 凌, which shares a similar appearance but refers to ice or the act of insulting or bullying someone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
