Meaning
灵验 describes something that works remarkably well or proves to be accurate, especially in contexts involving predictions, prayers, fortune-telling, or traditional remedies. When a fortune-teller's prediction comes true or a prayer is answered, Chinese speakers say it was 灵验. The word carries a sense of mysterious or spiritual effectiveness.
Usage
Commonly used when discussing fortune-telling (算命), prayers at temples, folk remedies, or superstitious practices that prove accurate or effective. Often appears in the pattern '很灵验' (very effective/accurate). The word has a slightly traditional or folk belief flavor and is less common in strictly scientific or medical contexts.
Examples
- 01这个寺庙的签很灵验，很多人专门来这里求签。, .The fortune sticks at this temple are very accurate, and many people come here specifically to draw them.
- 02他的预测真灵验，后来的事情都被他说中了。, .His predictions were really accurate; everything that happened later was just as he said.
Characters
Common collocations
- 很灵验very effective/accurate
- 灵验的预言accurate prediction
- 据说很灵验said to be very effective
- 祈祷灵验prayers are answered
Antonyms
Origin
灵 originally referred to spiritual power or divine efficacy, while 验 means to verify or prove. Together they describe something whose spiritual or mysterious power has been verified through results.