零
líng
Zero
零 (líng) is the Mandarin Chinese word for the number zero. It is used in counting, for temperatures, phone numbers, and as a placeholder.
What does 零 (líng) mean?
零 (líng) means “zero” in English.
When to use it
Neutral. It is used universally for the number zero in all contexts.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “LING” with a rising tone, similar to the “ling” in “calling” but with a clear rise.
Other ways to say it
- 零下língxiàbelow zero
- 零点língdiǎnzero point (for decimals)
- 零钱língqiánsmall change (money)
Examples
今天气温是零度。
jīntiān qìwēn shì língdù.
Today's temperature is zero degrees.
我的电话号码里有一个零。
wǒde diànhuà hàomǎ lǐ yǒu yí ge líng.
There is a zero in my phone number.
他考试得了零分。
tā kǎoshì déle língfēn.
He got zero points on the exam.
Pro tip: When reading numbers with multiple zeros, like 1005, only one 零 is usually pronounced: “一千零五” (yī qiān líng wǔ), not “一千零零五”.
Related phrases
三 · Three六 · Six七 · Seven
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →