How to Write 聆 (líng) — Meaning “to listen”

Picture your ear (耳) leaning in to receive a command (令) — for example, a teacher giving an important instruction that you must listen to carefully. This helps you remember that 聆 means 'to listen attentively or respectfully'.

Write the left radical 耳 narrow and tall, with the last horizontal stroke slightly tilted up. On the right, 令 starts with a left-falling stroke then a right-falling stroke (like a roof), and the bottom is 卩 (a kneeling person), not a seal-shaped mark. A common mistake is making the right side too wide or confusing the bottom part with 卩's horizontal fold.

聆 means 'to listen' and has 耳 on the left, while 耷 (dā) means 'drooping ears' and has 耳 on top of 大. 耸 (sǒng) means 'towering' or 'to alarm' and has two people (从) above 耳. Visually, the positions of 耳 differ, and their meanings are unrelated to listening.

聆 is mostly used in formal or literary contexts, such as 聆听 (to listen respectfully) in speeches or ceremonies, and 聆教 (to receive instruction) from a teacher. It reflects the traditional value of respectful listening, especially toward elders or authority figures, and is not common in everyday conversation.

Common words containing 聆 include: 聆听 (líng tīng) — to listen attentively; to listen respectfully; 聆教 (líng jiào) — to listen to instructions; to receive advice; 聆赏 (líng shǎng) — to listen and appreciate.