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March 24, 2026
垒(壘)lěi(lei3)
The character 垒 (lěi) primarily means to build or stack materials, often stones or bricks, to create a solid structure such as a rampart. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction and building defenses, as well as in baseball to refer to the bases on a field. Its usage conveys the idea of creating a strong foundation or barrier.
Strokes9Radical土Frequency#2812DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, fortifications built with stones were crucial for protecting cities and towns, reflecting the importance of defense in Chinese history. The term 垒 connects with this historical context and illustrates the strategic significance of building strong structures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'layer' of stones being stacked up to form a wall (垒 sounds like 'lay'). Visualize a strong fortress built with layers of bricks, protecting the inhabitants inside. The character 垒 visually resembles a solid base with a roof, symbolizing strength and protection.
Meanings of 垒
lěi(lei3)
1rampart; base (in baseball)
2to build with stones, bricks etc
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 垒
垒Simplified
壘Traditional
9Strokes
土Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 垒
Podcast: 垒
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AI Study Notes for 垒
Quick Contrast
堆 (duī) — use 垒 (lěi) when emphasizing building a solid structure or rampart, while 堆 (duī) focuses on simply piling up materials.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'layer' of stones being stacked up to form a wall (垒 sounds like 'lay'). Visualize a strong fortress built with layers of bricks, protecting the inhabitants inside. The character 垒 visually resembles a solid base with a roof, symbolizing strength and protection.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 垒 with similar characters like 堆 (duī) which means 'to pile up' but does not carry the same connotation of building a strong structure. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in construction discussions or baseball terminology. Be careful with the pronunciation; the third tone can be tricky, especially when used in rapid speech.
HSK Study Tips
Though 垒 is not an HSK character, it is beneficial for learners at HSK 4 and above to understand its application in specific contexts such as sports and construction. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in phrases and its connection to other related terms in these fields.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, fortifications built with stones were crucial for protecting cities and towns, reflecting the importance of defense in Chinese history. The term 垒 connects with this historical context and illustrates the strategic significance of building strong structures.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to confuse 垒 with the character 雷 (léi, meaning 'thunder'), especially when writing, due to their similar appearance. Remember, 垒 has the 土 (earth) radical indicating a connection to building or construction.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 垒
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Grammar Patterns of 垒
垒 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
This famous fortress and prison is located on the River Thames, near the Tower Bridge.
Cultural Notes for 垒
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, fortifications built with stones were crucial for protecting cities and towns, reflecting the importance of defense in Chinese history. The term 垒 connects with this historical context and illustrates the strategic significance of building strong structures.
Word Family of 垒
Words Containing This Character18
垒lěirampart壘
堡垒bǎolěifort堡壘
壁垒rampart壁壘
垒球softball壘球
对垒to face off against one's adversary (military, sports etc)對壘
关税壁垒tariff wall關稅壁壘
营垒army camp營壘
本垒打home run (baseball)本壘打
本垒home base本壘
全垒打home run (baseball)全壘打
壁垒森严closely guarded壁壘森嚴
干打垒rammed earth乾打壘
堆垒to pile up堆壘
跑垒running between bases (in baseball)跑壘
跑垒员runner (in baseball)跑壘員
木垒县Mori Kazakh autonomous county or Mori Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Changji Hui autonomous prefecture 昌吉回族自治州[ChāngjíHuízúzìzhìzhōu], Xinjiang木壘縣
木垒哈萨克自治县Mori Kazakh autonomous county or Mori Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Changji Hui autonomous prefecture 昌吉回族自治州[ChāngjíHuízúzìzhìzhōu], Xinjiang木壘哈薩克自治縣
坡垒Hainan hopea (Hopea hainanensis) (botany)坡壘
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 垒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 垒
While 垒 refers to building with a sense of purpose like creating a rampart, 堆 simply means to pile up without the connotation of strength or structure.
Yes, 垒 can be used metaphorically to describe building a strong foundation in relationships or projects, though this usage may be less common.
It is pronounced 'lěi' with a falling-rising tone, which can be challenging for learners, so practice saying it slowly and then faster.
