Most common meanings:
* Spirit, soul: This is the most common meaning of "ling". It can refer to the spiritual aspect of a person, a supernatural being, or even an intangible essence. For example, "灵性" (língxìng) means "spirituality".
* Clever, smart: This meaning is related to the idea of a quick and sharp mind. It can be used to describe someone who is intelligent, perceptive, or witty. For example, "灵巧" (língqiǎo) means "clever" or "skillful".
* Effective, potent: This meaning emphasizes the ability of something to work well or have a strong effect. For example, "灵丹妙药" (língdān miàoyào) means "miracle cure".
Other meanings:
* Flexible, adaptable: This meaning relates to the ability to change or adapt easily to different situations. For example, "灵活性" (língxìngxìng) means "flexibility".
* Sacred, divine: This meaning refers to something that is considered holy or supernatural. For example, "灵山" (língshān) can refer to a sacred mountain.
* Sensitive, responsive: This meaning highlights the ability to react quickly and accurately to stimuli. For example, "灵敏" (língmǐn) means "sensitive" or "acute".
Important note: The meaning of "ling" can vary depending on the specific character it is paired with. For example, "灵异" (língyì) means "supernatural" or "paranormal", while "灵动" (língdòng) means "lively" or "animated".
To understand the specific meaning of "ling" in a particular context, you need to consider the surrounding characters and the overall meaning of the phrase.