领

• Pinyin: lǐng
• Hanzi breakdown: 领 = 令 (command, phonetic) + 页 (head/page), originally meaning neck — the part that commands the body

Meaning

To receive; to collect; to lead. Used for picking up or claiming something officially.

A versatile verb with several related meanings: (1) to receive or collect something (领工资 = collect salary, 领奖 = receive a prize); (2) to lead or guide (领路 = lead the way); (3) collar (as a noun, 衣领 = collar). The most common daily use is the receive/collect meaning, especially for documents, packages, and wages.

Examples

1. 请到前台领你的快递。 Please go to the front desk to collect your package.
2. 下个月就可以领新的身份证了。 You can pick up the new ID card next month.
3. 她领着孩子们去了公园。 She led the children to the park.

Usage Guide

Context: official, daily life, work

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你的护照可以去领了。(You can go and collect your passport now.)
• 领了工资请签个名。(Please sign your name after receiving your salary.)

Don't Say

• 我领了一个苹果在超市。(Don't use 领 for casual purchases — 领 implies officially receiving or claiming something. Say 我在超市买了一个苹果.)

Origin & History

领 originally meant neck or collar — the part that leads the body. Extended to mean to lead and then to receive (as in to receive something into one's hands, at the front of the queue).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal