How to Write 瓴 (líng) — Meaning “roof tile”

Imagine a roof tile (瓦) that looks like a bell (令) because both 'líng' sounds are similar. Or think of a 'commanding tile' — the left part 令 can mean 'order,' so picture a tile that gives orders on the rooftop.

Pay attention to the left component 令: it has a dot on top, then a person radical (人), another dot, and a horizontal stroke. A common mistake is forgetting the final dot inside the right radical 瓦 or mixing up the stroke order of 瓦 (horizontal, vertical lift, horizontal slanted hook, dot).

All three share the radical 瓦, but their left parts differ. 瓴 uses 令 (líng) and means 'roof tile,' while 瓮 (wèng) has 公 (gōng) and means 'earthen jar,' and 瓯 (ōu) has 区 (qū) and means 'bowl' or 'cup.' The left component changes both the pronunciation and the specific type of pottery or tile.

瓴 is rarely used alone today; its main use is in the idiom 高屋建瓴 (gāo wū jiàn líng), which means to pour water from a rooftop — describing a strategically advantageous position. You may also see it in historical or architectural texts about traditional Chinese roofing.

Common words containing 瓴 include: 高屋建瓴 (gāo wū jiàn líng) — to operate from a strategically advantageous position; 瓦瓴 (wǎ líng) — roof tile; 瓴甋 (líng dì) — brick and tile.