听力

• Pinyin: tīng lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 听 = 口 (mouth) + 斤 (axe, phonetic in simplified form); 力 = pictograph of a muscular arm, meaning strength

Meaning

Listening ability; hearing. Refers to the ability to hear or the skill of understanding spoken language.

Used in two main contexts: medical/physical hearing ability, as in 听力下降 (hearing loss), and language learning, where 听力 refers to listening comprehension skills or listening exercises on exams. Very common in educational settings.

Examples

1. 英语考试的听力部分比较难。 The listening section of the English exam is quite difficult.
2. 多听中文广播可以提高听力。 Listening to Chinese radio more can improve your listening skills.
3. 爷爷的听力不太好，说话要大声一点。 Grandpa's hearing is not very good; you need to speak louder.

Usage Guide

Context: education, medical, language learning

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我的中文听力进步了很多。(My Chinese listening skills have improved a lot.)
• 听力考试九点开始。(The listening test starts at nine o'clock.)

Don't Say

• 他的听力听得很好。(Don't say 听力听 — it's redundant. Say 他的听力很好 or 他听得很清楚.)

Origin & History

听 (to listen) + 力 (ability/power). Together they mean 'the power of listening', referring to either physical hearing or comprehension skill.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal