ling4伶

Jyutpingling4

Yalelìhng

Definition

Clever, lonely, or referring to an actor.

literaryclever; smart
literarylonely; solitary
literaryactor; actress; performer

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

伶 is primarily encountered in the compound 伶俐, which describes someone who is quick-witted, sharp, or articulate. While the character historically refers to actors or performers, this usage is largely confined to literary contexts or specific traditional arts like 伶人. In modern daily speech, you will almost never hear it used as a standalone verb or noun for an actor.

Examples

keoi5佢fan6份jan4人hou2好ling4伶lei6俐，zou6做je5嘢hou2好faai3快sau2手。

She is very clever and works very quickly.

nei5你go3個zai2仔gam3咁ling4伶lei6俐，daai6大go3個jat1一ding6定hou2好lek1叻。

Your son is so bright, he will surely be very capable when he grows up.

Common phrases

ling4伶lei6俐

clever and quick-witted

Common mistake

Do not confuse 伶俐 with 靈利, as the former specifically refers to mental sharpness or cleverness, whereas the latter is a common misspelling or non-standard variation.