玲

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

玉 (jade) — semantic component

令 (to command; to cause; clear, sharp sound) — phonetic component

The character originally described the clear, resonant sound produced when pieces of jade strike each other. In ancient China, jade objects were often used in ritual contexts, and their sound symbolized purity, refinement, and elegance.

From this concrete meaning, 玲 developed metaphorical senses related to clarity, delicacy, and refined beauty.

Jade (玉) in East Asian culture symbolizes virtue, purity, and moral refinement. The sound of jade ornaments was considered a marker of cultivated conduct, especially among nobles and scholars.

Thus, 玲 carries strong aesthetic and symbolic value, even when its literal meaning is no longer actively used.

玲 is very frequently used in female given names, due to its associations with:

- beauty

- elegance

- refinement

Examples: 玲玲, 美玲, 小玲

Related characters:

瓏 — lustrous jade; delicate

鈴 — bell; tinkling sound

玲瓏 — refined, exquisite

璞 — unpolished jade