令
Character learning workspace

líng / lǐng / lìng · command, decree, order

Master the form, understand its parts, and learn how it behaves in real Chinese.

HSK 3.0 · Level 5Frequency #776
Watch · inspect · write

Learn every stroke in 令

Replay the complete order, pause on difficult movements, inspect one stroke at a time, then write it yourself with live correction.

Interactive stroke trainerWatch and inspect
Checking daily allowance…Please waitGo unlimited
Loading strokes…
0 strokes
Choose Watch order or Practice writing
Stroke graphics: Make Me a Hanzi / Arphic Public License
Sound changes meaning

Readings & meanings

令 has 3 dictionary pronunciations. The examples show how each reading behaves in real words.

líng

used in 脊令[ji2 ling2]; used in 令狐[Ling2 hu2] (Taiwan pr. [ling4])

lǐng

classifier for a ream of paper

lìng

to order; to command; an order

命令mìng lìng · order
Step-by-step explorer

See how 令 is constructed

Switch between the accumulated form and the isolated movement of each stroke.

Loading stroke diagrams…

Writing notes

Shape and proportion

5Total strokes

Count each continuous pen movement once, including turns and hooks.

Top-bottomCharacter structure

Keep the upper section balanced above the lower section.

人Key radical

Use the highlighted radical in the animation as a visual anchor for remembering the form.

Print and practise

Download a 令 writing sheet

Get a ready-to-use A4 sheet immediately, or open the full builder to change its grid and guidance.

Preparing worksheet…
Customize

Includes the stroke sequence, progressive tracing, and blank writing squares. Generated locally in your browser.

Vocabulary in context

Common words with 令

Open a word for its full breakdown, or listen before reading the meaning.

lìngto order; to command; an order
Read and listen

Example sentences

Notice where 令 sits in each complete thought.

Tā de huà jiù shì mìng lìng.他的话就是命令。

His word is law.

Source: Tatoeba #792851 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Nǐ zuì xǐhuan nǎ yí gè rào kǒu lìng?你最喜欢哪一个绕口令?

What's your favorite tongue twister?

Source: Tatoeba #925668 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Yì chǎng lìng rén nán wàng de shì jiàn fā shēng le.一场令人难忘的事件发生了。

An unforgettable event occurred.

Source: Tatoeba #335886 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Háizi de chéngzhǎng kuài dé lìng rén chī jīng.孩子的成长快得令人吃惊。

Children grow up so quickly.

Source: Tatoeba #348616 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Wǒ juéde wǒ méi yǒu xià mìng lìng.我觉得我没有下命令。

I don't think that I ordered that.

Source: Tatoeba #9959112 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Tā mìng lìng wǒ zǎo diǎn shàng chuáng shuìjiào.他命令我早点上床睡觉。

He ordered me to go to bed early.

Source: Tatoeba #2192794 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Turn reference into recall

How to study 令 in context

  1. Say líng / lǐng / lìng, then recall the core meaning: command, decree, order.
  2. Write all 5 strokes while keeping the top-bottom balanced.
  3. Use it in 命令 (mìng lìng), meaning “order”.
  4. Read the complete sentence aloud once, then cover the translation and explain how 令 works in that context.

Definitions and traditional forms are compiled from Make Me a Hanzi, HSK curriculum data, and CC-CEDICT. Sourced example sentences link to Tatoeba; editorial examples are labeled separately. Review data sources and licenses.