How to Write 领 (lǐng) — Meaning “To lead / Neck / Collar”

Picture a leader wearing a formal collar while giving orders—the left side 令 shows the "command" and the right side 页 looks like a head with a collar around it. You can also think of the phrase "Leading the neck" to remember that 领 means both "to lead" and "collar."

Write the left component 令 first with 5 strokes (person radical + dot + horizontal + fold + vertical), then add the right side 页 with 6 strokes (horizontal + left-falling + vertical + horizontal fold + horizontal + dot). A common mistake is making the 令 too wide—keep it narrow so the whole character balances. Also, the last dot in 页 should be placed clearly under the horizontal fold.

领 (lǐng) has 令 (order) on the left and means "to lead" or "collar." 顸 (hān) has 干 (dry) on the left and means "dull" or "slow"—it is rare in modern Chinese. 项 (xiàng) has 工 (work) on the left and means "item" or "neck" (like the back of the neck). Focus on the left component: for 领 it is 令, not 干 or 工.

领 is very common in formal and workplace settings, especially in 领导 (leader, leadership) which is used for managers, party secretaries, and directors. It also appears in 领带 (necktie), a formal clothing item, and 本领 (skill/ability). Culturally, 领导 carries respect and authority, and you often hear people address officials as "Lǐngdǎo" in meetings.

Common words containing 领 include: 领导 (lǐng dǎo) — Leader / Leadership / To lead; 领带 (lǐng dài) — Necktie / Tie; 本领 (běn lǐng) — Skill / Ability.