亮

• Pinyin: liàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 亮 = originally a pictograph depicting brightness from a flame or elevated light source

Meaning

Bright; shiny. Can also mean to turn on a light or to reveal something.

As an adjective, describes brightness of light, objects, or colours. As a verb, means to turn on or show something. Also used figuratively to describe someone with bright, clear eyes or a loud, clear voice.

Examples

1. 外面的灯太亮了，我睡不着。 The lights outside are too bright — I can't fall asleep.
2. 天亮了，我们起床吧。 It's getting light out. Let's get up.
3. 她的眼睛又大又亮。 Her eyes are big and bright.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个房间很亮。(This room is very bright.)
• 月亮好亮啊！(The moon is so bright!)

Don't Say

• 不要说'亮一下你的想法' (Don't use 亮 to mean 'share' your thoughts — use 说说 or 分享 instead)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character: 亠 (top) + 几 (table) + 儿 (legs). Originally depicted the brightness of a high flame.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal