HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
surname Li
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
abbr. for 禮記
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
>礼记[Lǐ jì], Classic of Rites
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
rite
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
ceremony
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
propriety
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
etiquette
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
courtesy
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
courtesy, manners, social customs
HSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
礼
lǐ
abbr. for 禮記|礼记[Li3 ji4], Classic of Rites
HSK 5, unknown, 5 strokes, radical 礻, rank #2724, Medium
lǐ(li3) T3
1gift
2abbr. for 禮記
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
礼(禮)lǐ(li3)
The character 礼 (lǐ) encompasses a range of meanings related to etiquette, propriety, and ceremonies. It is commonly used to refer to social customs and manners, as well as formal practices in various contexts, such as weddings or festivals. Understanding 礼 is essential for grasping the importance of respect and social harmony in Chinese culture.
Strokes5Radical礻Frequency#2724DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
礼 (lǐ) is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, which emphasizes respect for tradition and social harmony. The Classic of Rites (礼记) elaborates on the importance of rituals in maintaining social order and moral conduct.
Memory Tip
Think of 礼 (lǐ) as a 'leaf' of manners that grows in a garden of respect. The left part, 礼, resembles a temple, symbolizing the rituals and ceremonies where etiquette is practiced. Imagine a leaf fluttering during a ceremony, reminding you of the importance of礼.
Meanings of 礼
lǐ(li3)
1gift
2abbr. for 禮記
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 礼
礼Simplified
禮Traditional
5Strokes
礻Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2724Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 礼
Podcast: 礼
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AI Study Notes for 礼
Quick Contrast
礼 (lǐ) vs 规 (guī) — use 礼 for social customs and etiquette, while 规 refers to rules or regulations.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 礼 (lǐ) as a 'leaf' of manners that grows in a garden of respect. The left part, 礼, resembles a temple, symbolizing the rituals and ceremonies where etiquette is practiced. Imagine a leaf fluttering during a ceremony, reminding you of the importance of礼.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 礼 with similar characters like 理 (lǐ, reason) due to their pronunciation. 礼 is more common in formal contexts, so use it when discussing traditions or social norms. Be careful not to use it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
As 礼 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it may not appear in the standardized curriculum. However, it connects well with other cultural concepts in later HSK levels. Focus on its use in formal contexts and practice pairing it with relevant words like 习俗 (xí sú, customs).
Cultural Note
礼 (lǐ) is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, which emphasizes respect for tradition and social harmony. The Classic of Rites (礼记) elaborates on the importance of rituals in maintaining social order and moral conduct.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mispronounce 礼 as 'lí,' confusing it with other characters. Remember to pronounce it as 'lǐ' to avoid misunderstanding. Another common mistake is using 礼 in casual contexts where simpler terms like 好 (hǎo) for 'good' would suffice.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 礼
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Grammar Patterns of 礼
礼 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 11 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.
It was thought bad form to discuss business on social occasions.
6
他领受了坚振礼，成为英国国教会的一员。
tā lǐng shòu le jiān zhèn lǐ， ， chéng wéi yīng guó guó jiào huì de yī。
He was confirmed as a member of the Church of England.
7
这张地毯是首相送的结婚礼物。
zhè zhāng dì tǎn shì shǒu xiāng sòng de jié hūn lǐ wù。
The carpet was a wedding present from the Prime Minister.
8
这份意外的礼物是为了感谢我们给予的帮助。
zhè fèn yì wài de lǐ wù shì wéi le gǎn xiè wǒ mén gěi yú de bāng zhù。
The surprise gift is a thankyou for our help.
9
他的礼物是很友好的表示，这值得称赞。
tā de lǐ wù shì hěn yǒu hǎo de biǎo shì， ， zhè zhí dé chēng。
His gift was an extremely kind gesture. Credit where credit's due.
10
一名身穿晚礼服的表演者用小提琴演奏了几段古典音乐。
yī míng shēn chuān wǎn lǐ fú de biǎo yǎn zhě yòng xiǎo tí qín yǎn zòu le jī duàn gǔ diǎn yīn lè。
A performer in evening dress plays classical selections on the violin.
Cultural Notes for 礼
💡Did you know?
The concept of 礼 (Lǐ) is central to Confucianism, emphasizing respect and proper conduct in society. It governs interpersonal relationships and is seen as essential for harmony.
🏮Cultural insight
礼 (lǐ) is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, which emphasizes respect for tradition and social harmony. The Classic of Rites (礼记) elaborates on the importance of rituals in maintaining social order and moral conduct.
📜Proverb
A common Chinese saying is '礼尚往来' (Lǐ shàng wǎng lái), meaning 'courtesy demands reciprocity.' It highlights the importance of mutual respect in relationships.
Word Family of 礼
Words Containing This Character20
礼物lǐwùgift禮物
婚礼hūnlǐwedding婚禮
礼lǐgift禮
礼拜lǐbàiweek禮拜
葬礼zànglǐburial葬禮
礼貌lǐmàocourtesy禮貌
典礼diǎnlǐcelebration典禮
礼品lǐpǐngift禮品
礼服lǐfúceremonial robe禮服
礼仪lǐyíetiquette禮儀
送礼sònglǐto give a present送禮
洗礼xǐlǐbaptism (lit. or fig.)洗禮
无礼rude無禮
敬礼jìnglǐto salute敬禮
礼堂lǐtángassembly hall禮堂
失礼lacking in manners失禮
礼节lǐjiéetiquette禮節
礼遇courtesy禮遇
行礼to salute行禮
晚礼服evening dress晚禮服
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 礼物 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 礼
Yes, 礼 is commonly used in modern Chinese conversations, especially in discussions about social conduct and cultural practices. It's important in contexts like weddings, formal events, and traditional celebrations, where respect and etiquette play a significant role.
礼 (lǐ) refers to the concept of ceremony or propriety, while 礼仪 (lǐyí) specifically denotes etiquette or the rules of conduct in social situations. 礼 is broader and can encompass various forms of rituals, whereas 礼仪 focuses on the specific behaviors expected in interactions.
礼 can be used in sentences to express concepts related to etiquette or ceremonies. For example, you might say '我们应该遵守礼仪' (Wǒmen yīnggāi zūnshǒu lǐyí), which means 'We should observe etiquette.' Using 礼 in context helps convey respect and propriety in social interactions.
礼 (lǐ) primarily means 'ceremony' or 'etiquette' in Chinese. It refers to the proper conduct, manners, and social norms expected in various situations. Additionally, it can denote the Classic of Rites, an important Confucian text that discusses rituals and ceremonies.
礼 (lǐ) refers specifically to formal etiquette and ceremonies, while 习俗 (xí sú) denotes customs and traditions that may not have a formal structure.
Yes, but it is more appropriate in formal settings. In casual conversation, you might refer to manners as 礼仪 (lǐ yí) instead.
No, 礼 can also refer to gifts given during ceremonies, highlighting its broader significance in social interactions.
