令

• Pinyin: lìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 令 = 亼 (gather) + 卩 (kneeling person), issuing commands to those assembled

Meaning

To cause; to make; to order. A formal verb indicating causation or commanding.

As a verb, it causes someone to feel or do something (令人 + adjective is very common). Also used in formal commands or orders. More literary and formal than 让 or 使. Frequently appears in formal writing and news.

Examples

1. 这部电影的结局令人感动，很多人都哭了。 The ending of this movie is touching; many people cried.
2. 他的话令我非常惊讶，完全没有想到。 His words surprised me greatly; I didn't expect it at all.
3. 这次失败令他下定决心要更加努力。 This failure made him determined to work harder.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, news, formal speech

Tone: literary

Do Say

• 这个消息令人振奋。(This news is inspiring.)
• 令人难以置信的是他居然成功了。(Unbelievably, he actually succeeded.)

Don't Say

• 妈妈令我去买菜。(For everyday requests, use 让 — 令 is too formal for casual family communication)

Origin & History

令 originally depicted a person kneeling to receive orders. Extended to mean commanding or causing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal