Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
戾 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
戾lìperverse, rebellious, recalcitrantzg, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾lìto bendunknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾lìto violateunknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾lìto go againstunknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾lìruthless and tyrannicalunknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
lì(li4) T4
  1. 1perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant
  2. 2to bend
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
戾lì(li4)

The character 戾 (lì) conveys meanings related to being perverse or rebellious, often implying a sense of going against norms or rules. It may also describe actions that are ruthless or tyrannical in nature. Common usage contexts include discussions of behavior that is contrary to accepted standards or authority.

Strokes8Radical户Frequency#62198DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese history, the concept of going against established authority has often been linked to discussions of power dynamics, particularly in the context of dynastic rule and rebellion. The character 戾 can evoke historical figures who opposed oppressive regimes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a rebellious child (戾) bending the rules of a game. The left side of the character resembles a person who is defying authority, while the right side resembles a bending action, emphasizing the concept of going against the norm.

Meanings of 戾

lì(li4)
1perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant
2to bend
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 戾

戾Simplified
8Strokes
户Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 戾

JasonAmy

Podcast: 戾

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 戾

Quick Contrast

悖 (bèi) - use 悖 when emphasizing contradiction or error in reasoning, while 戾 focuses more on rebellious or perverse behavior.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a rebellious child (戾) bending the rules of a game. The left side of the character resembles a person who is defying authority, while the right side resembles a bending action, emphasizing the concept of going against the norm.

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using 戾 as it carries a negative connotation and is typically used in formal contexts to describe behavior or actions. Common collocations include expressions like '戾气' (lìqì) meaning rebellious spirit. Avoid using it in casual conversation where softer terms might be more appropriate.

HSK Study Tips

While 戾 is not included in the HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners at higher levels who are exploring more complex vocabulary. Focus on recognizing its usage in literature or formal speeches to understand the nuances of rebellion and authority.

Cultural Note

In Chinese history, the concept of going against established authority has often been linked to discussions of power dynamics, particularly in the context of dynastic rule and rebellion. The character 戾 can evoke historical figures who opposed oppressive regimes.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 戾 with similar-sounding characters like 利 (lì), which means benefit or profit. Remember, 戾 refers to rebellious or perverse behavior, while 利 has a positive meaning related to gain.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 戾

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 戾 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 戾

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Origin unclear. Consists of door (户) and dog (犬).

Memory Hint

A dog 犬 that won't come indoors 户

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 戾?

Decomposition of 戾

IDS Structure⿸户犬
戾Full Character
=
户hu4
enclosing
犬quan3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 戾?

Write 戾

戾

Practice writing 戾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 戾

戾 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他的举止相当乖____阴郁，令人望而生畏。

He had a rather forbidding, saturnine manner.

Example Sentences for 戾 (7)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他的举止相当乖戾阴郁，令人望而生畏。

tā de jǔ zhǐ xiāng dāng guāi lì yīn yù， ， líng rén wàng ér shēng。

He had a rather forbidding, saturnine manner.
2
罗伯特往椅背一靠,闷声不响,十分乖戾.

luó bó tè wǎng yǐ bèi yī kào, , mèn shēng bù, xiǎng , shí fēn.

Robert leaned back in his chair quiet and almost surly.
3
他身材矮小, 性情乖戾暴躁.

tā shēn cái ǎi xiǎo, , xìng qíng guāi lì bào.

He was short, gruff and fiery.
4
她性情乖戾.

tā xìng qíng guāi lì.

There is a warp in her nature.
5
她相貌平常, 为人刁恶, 性情乖戾.

tā xiāng mào píng cháng, , wéi rén diāo, è , xìng qíng.

She was plain, spiteful, and surly.
6
他们乖戾 、 执拗 、 沉默, 眼睛不知在看着什么,两脚一直动个不停.

tā mén guāi lì、 、 zhí、 ǎo 、, chén mò , yǎn jīng bù zhī zài kàn, zháo shí mó , liǎng jiǎo yī zhí.

They were peevish , crusty, silent, eying nothing in particular and moving their feet.
7
珍妮跟着这个趾高气扬、有点乖戾, 但不算粗野的带路人向教区住宅走去.

zhēn nī gēn zháo zhè gè zhǐ gāo qì yáng、 、 yǒu diǎn guāi, lì , dàn bù suàn cū yě de dài lù rén xiàng jiào qū zhù zhái.

Jeanie followed her consequential and surly, but not brutal, conductor towards the rectory.

Cultural Notes for 戾

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese history, the concept of going against established authority has often been linked to discussions of power dynamics, particularly in the context of dynastic rule and rebellion. The character 戾 can evoke historical figures who opposed oppressive regimes.

Word Family of 戾

Words Containing This Character4
暴戾ruthless
戾lìto bend
乖戾perverse (behavior)
凶戾cruel兇戾
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 暴戾 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 戾

Synonyms include 叛逆 (pànnì) for rebellious and 违反 (wéifǎn) for violating.