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March 24, 2026
厉(厲)lì(Li4)
The character 厉 (lì) primarily refers to strictness or severity, often used to describe a person's demeanor or behavior. It can also denote the act of sharpening or grinding, such as with a whetstone. In some contexts, it is a common Chinese surname, Li.
Strokes5Radical厂Frequency#44115DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 厉 (strict) is often associated with discipline in education and governance, reflecting values of respect and order. This character can also appear in idiomatic expressions that emphasize the importance of rigor.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strict teacher (严厉) sharpening a pencil with a whetstone (磨刀石) to prepare for an important lesson. The character 厉 looks like a roof (一) over a sharp edge (刀), emphasizing severity and sharpness.
Meanings of 厉
lì(Li4)
1strict
2severe
Exercise 1 of 3
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Choose the correct answer:
About 厉
厉Simplified
厲Traditional
5Strokes
厂Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#44115Frequency Rank
Podcast: 厉
Podcast: 厉
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AI Study Notes for 厉
Quick Contrast
厉 (strict) vs 严 (strict, severe) — use 厉 for a more intense connotation of severity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strict teacher (严厉) sharpening a pencil with a whetstone (磨刀石) to prepare for an important lesson. The character 厉 looks like a roof (一) over a sharp edge (刀), emphasizing severity and sharpness.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 厉 with similar-sounding characters, such as 理 (lǐ) which means 'reason' or 'logic'. Use 厉 in formal contexts when discussing strictness, and avoid informal uses that stray from its serious connotation. Common collocations include 厉害 (lìhài) meaning 'severe' or 'awesome'.
HSK Study Tips
While 厉 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it is valuable for students at HSK Level 4 and above due to its frequent use in literary and formal contexts. Focus on its meanings related to strictness and sharpness, as they can help in understanding nuanced expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 厉 (strict) is often associated with discipline in education and governance, reflecting values of respect and order. This character can also appear in idiomatic expressions that emphasize the importance of rigor.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly write 厉 as 利 (lì), which means 'benefit' or 'advantage'. Pay attention to the radical components to avoid confusion. For example, remember that 厉 emphasizes strictness and severity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 厉
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Grammar Patterns of 厉
厉 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The helicopter turned at an awful angle before righting itself.
Cultural Notes for 厉
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the concept of being '厉' (lì) often relates to leadership and discipline. A '厉' leader is seen as someone who is strict but fair, ensuring rules are followed for the greater good.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being 厉 (strict) is often associated with discipline in education and governance, reflecting values of respect and order. This character can also appear in idiomatic expressions that emphasize the importance of rigor.
Word Family of 厉
Compounds5
励Li4surname Li
蛎li4oyster
砺li4whetstone; to sharpen
栃
粝li4coarse rice; brown rice
Words Containing This Character16
厉害lìhaiferocious厲害
严厉yánlìsevere嚴厲
厉lìstrict厲
再接再厉zàijiēzàilìunremitting efforts再接再厲
厉声stern voice厲聲
变本加厉to aggravate變本加厲
凄厉mournful (sound)淒厲
雷厉风行pass like thunder and move like the wind (idiom); swift and decisive reaction雷厲風行
厉行节约to practice strict economy (idiom)厲行節約
厉鬼devil厲鬼
色厉内荏a sheep in wolf's clothing色厲內荏
正颜厉色solemn in countenance (idiom); strict and unsmiling正顏厲色
正言厉色also written 正顏厲色|正颜厉色正言厲色
峻厉pitiless峻厲
威厉majestic威厲
发扬蹈厉to be full of vigor (idiom)發揚蹈厲
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 励 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 厉
Yes, 厉 (lì) is a relatively common surname in China. Surnames are an important aspect of Chinese culture, and many people with the surname 厉 can be found across different regions.
Some synonyms for 厉 (lì) include 严 (yán), which means 'strict,' and 恶劣 (èliè), meaning 'bad' or 'severe.' These words can convey similar meanings in contexts where intensity or strictness is described.
You can use 厉 (lì) in a sentence to describe someone's strict nature or a severe situation. For example, you might say '他的老师很厉' (tā de lǎoshī hěn lì) which means 'His teacher is very strict.'
厉 (lì) can mean 'severe' or 'strict' and is often used to describe something that is intense or harsh. It can also refer to a whetstone used for sharpening tools. Additionally, it is a common surname in China.
It is often used to describe someone's strict behavior or in phrases like '厉害' to express something impressive.
Yes, while it often denotes strictness, it can also imply 'awesome' or 'formidable' in certain contexts.
Yes, 厉 is a recognized surname in China, though not as common as others like 李 (Lǐ).
