unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾
lì
to violate
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾
lì
to go against
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾
lì
ruthless and tyrannical
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
lì(li4) T4
1perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant
2to bend
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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
Podcast: 戾
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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.
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.
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
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 戾? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
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?
How to say perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant in Chinese
“perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant” in Chinese is戾lì
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.
When to use 戾
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.
戾 or something close to it
悖 (bèi) - use 悖 when emphasizing contradiction or error in reasoning, while 戾 focuses more on rebellious or perverse behavior.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 戾
戾
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Practice writing 戾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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。
