伶俐

líng lì

clever

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"伶俐" describes someone who is clever, quick-witted, and smart in both thinking and speaking. It often highlights mental agility and smoothness in expression or action.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used to describe children or people who learn and respond quickly, showing intelligence and sharpness. It can also emphasize eloquence or quick problem-solving skills.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 伶俐孩子: a clever child, often used to praise a child's intelligence and quick learning.
  • 伶俐: clever eloquence, highlighting smooth and smart speaking ability.
  • 伶俐反应: quick and clever reaction, used to describe mental agility in handling situations.

Nuances

"伶俐" carries a positive tone and is often used in informal or semi-formal contexts. It implies not just intelligence but also a certain smoothness and liveliness in behavior or speech. Avoid confusing it with "聪明" which is more general for intelligence; "伶俐" stresses quickness and sharpness in practical or social situations.

Example Sentences

她是个伶俐的孩子,学习很快。

Tā shì gè líng lì de háizi, xuéxí hěn kuài.

She is a clever child and learns very quickly.

他的伶俐口才让大家印象深刻。

Tā de líng lì kǒucái ràng dàjiā yìnxiàng shēnkè.

His clever eloquence left a deep impression on everyone.

伶俐的反应帮助他迅速解决了问题。

Líng lì de fǎnyìng bāngzhù tā xùnsù jiějué le wèntí.

His quick and clever reaction helped him solve the problem swiftly.