Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
檑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
檑léia log trap used to defend a cityx, 17 strokes, radical 木
檑léilogs rolled down in defense of cityunknown, 17 strokes, radical 木
léi(lei2)lei T2
  1. 1a log trap used to defend a city
  2. 2logs rolled down in defense of city
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

檑léi(lei2)

The character 檑 (léi) refers to a type of log trap historically used in defensive warfare, particularly to protect cities. These logs would be rolled down from walls to impede or injure attackers. It's a specialized term often encountered in historical texts or discussions about ancient military strategies.

Strokes17Radical木
Cultural note

The use of log traps like 檑 in ancient Chinese warfare reflects the strategic ingenuity in defending cities against invasions. Such defensive mechanisms were often a key aspect of military architecture in historical Chinese culture.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant tree trunk (the log) rolling down a hill, crushing anything in its path. The character 檑 is made up of the wood radical '木' (mù) on the left, symbolizing its connection to logs, and the phonetic component '雷' (léi), which can remind you of the thunderous sound logs make when they roll down.

Meanings of 檑

léi(lei2)
1a log trap used to defend a city
2logs rolled down in defense of city
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 檑 means.

About 檑

檑Simplified
17Strokes
木Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 檑

JasonAmy

Podcast: 檑

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 檑

Usage Notes

While 檑 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it can appear in historical or literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar characters, especially those relating to wood or weapons. It is a formal term typically used in historical discussions.

HSK Study Tips

Although 檑 is not included in the HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners interested in Chinese history or literature. Focus on recognizing the wood radical and understanding its context in military terminology, which connects with other words related to defense (e.g., 防御 fángyù).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 檑 with other wood-related characters like 林 (lín) or 木 (mù). For example, using 林 instead of 檑 in a historical context would be incorrect. Remember that 檑 specifically refers to log traps used in defense.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 檑

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

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

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 檑 to you

Let me explain 檑 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 檑 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 檑?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 檑 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 檑

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory hint

A thundering 雷 log 木 trap ; 雷 also provides the pronunciation

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

Origin

What kind of character is 檑?

Decomposition of 檑

IDS Structure⿰木雷
檑Full character
=
木Mu4
left
雷Lei2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 檑?

How to say a log trap used to defend a city in Chinese

“a log trap used to defend a city” in Chinese is檑léi

The character 檑 (léi) refers to a type of log trap historically used in defensive warfare, particularly to protect cities. These logs would be rolled down from walls to impede or injure attackers. It's a specialized term often encountered in historical texts or discussions about ancient military strategies.

When to use 檑

While 檑 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it can appear in historical or literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar characters, especially those relating to wood or weapons. It is a formal term typically used in historical discussions.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 檑 with other wood-related characters like 林 (lín) or 木 (mù). For example, using 林 instead of 檑 in a historical context would be incorrect. Remember that 檑 specifically refers to log traps used in defense.

Write 檑

檑

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 檑?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 檑

Words containing this character1
檑léilogs rolled down in defense of city

Frequently asked questions about 檑

It is pronounced as 'léi', with a rising tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 檑?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab