How to Write 苓 (líng) — Meaning “fungus / poria”

Imagine a bell (令) ringing in a grassy field (艹). The sound 'ling' matches the bell, and the grass reminds you it is a plant. This helps you recall that 苓 is a type of fungus that grows among grass roots.

When writing 苓, start with the grass radical 艹: make it narrow with two horizontal lines and two short verticals. Then write 令: first the person radical 人, then a dot, then two diagonal strokes. A common mistake is to forget the dot in 令, so remember the dot is essential.

苓 (fungus) has grass on top and 令 below, while 兹 (meaning 'now' or 'this') has two 幺 on top and grass below. 艻 (a type of grass) has grass on top and 力 (strength) below. Visually, 苓 is taller with a distinct 令, whereas 兹 is wider and 艻 has a simple power radical.

苓 is almost always used in the word 茯苓 (fú líng), a medicinal fungus in traditional Chinese medicine known for its diuretic and calming effects. It also appears in foods like 茯苓膏 (poria jelly). Outside of TCM and herbal contexts, it is rarely used alone.

Common words containing 苓 include: 茯苓 (fú líng) — poria cocos; 茯苓膏 (fú líng gāo) — poria jelly; 甘苓 (gān líng) — Ganling (a type of medicinal herb).