ling4 lei6伶俐

Jyutpingling4 lei6

Yalelìhng leih

形容詞

Definition

Smart, quick-witted, and nimble, or straightforward and neat.

smart; clever; quick-witted; nimble
straightforward; neat; prompt and efficient

neutralpeopledescriptions

How it's used

While often used to describe general intelligence, this word specifically emphasizes agility of mind and the ability to react quickly to situations. It is frequently applied to children who are precocious or adults who handle tasks with speed and precision. It carries a positive connotation of being sharp and capable rather than just book-smart.

Examples

ni1呢go3個sai3細lou6路zai2仔hou2好ling4伶lei6俐，man6問gik6極dou1都m4唔wui2會hau2口zat6窒zat6窒。

This kid is so smart, he never stutters no matter what you ask.

keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢gam3咁ling4伶lei6俐，naan4難gwaai3怪lou5老baan2闆gam3咁zung1鍾ji3意keoi5佢laa1啦。

They work so efficiently, no wonder the boss likes them so much.

Common phrases

hau2口ci2齒ling4伶lei6俐

eloquent; have a ready tongue

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 醒目, which is much more common in daily speech to describe someone who is street-smart or observant. Using 伶俐 in casual conversation can sometimes sound slightly more formal or literary than the average person would say.