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詈 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
詈lìto curse, to scold; to accuseg, 12 strokes, radical 言
lì(li4) T4
  1. 1to curse, to scold; to accuse
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March 24, 2026

詈lì(li4)

The character 詈 (lì) refers to the act of cursing or scolding someone. It is often used in contexts where there is an expression of anger or discontent, typically directed towards another person. This term can also imply accusations or harsh criticisms, making it particularly strong in its emotional connotation.

Strokes12Radical言
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the act of cursing or scolding can carry significant weight, often reflecting deep interpersonal conflicts or societal norms around respect. It can be seen in traditional literature and drama where characters express their rage or dissatisfaction.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person shouting angrily while holding a sign that says 'LIE!' The character 詈 has the radical for speech (言) which connects to talking or scolding, while the 'lì' sound can remind you of a sharp, cutting tone used in a heated argument.

Meanings of 詈

lì(li4)
1to curse, to scold; to accuse
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 詈

詈Simplified
12Strokes
言Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 詈

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Podcast: 詈

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AI Study Notes for 詈

Quick Contrast

骂 (mà, to scold) — use 詈 (lì) for a stronger, more formal expression of cursing than 骂 (mà).

Usage Notes

詈 is generally used in more formal or literary contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with milder terms for disagreement or criticism. Be mindful of the tone when using it, as it can come off as very aggressive.

HSK Study Tips

Although 詈 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to other HSK words that involve speech or criticism, such as 说 (shuō, to speak) and 责 (zé, to blame). Focus on understanding its emotional weight and usage in written texts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 詈 with softer terms for criticism, using it when they mean to simply express disagreement. For example, saying '我詈你' (wǒ lì nǐ) instead of '我不同意你' (wǒ bùtóngyì nǐ, I disagree with you) can sound overly aggressive.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 詈

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Etymology of 詈

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

To implicate 罒 someone by one's words 言

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 詈

  1. 1The giveawayTo implicate 罒 someone by one's words 言
  2. 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 詈? 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 詈?

Decomposition of 詈

IDS Structure⿱罒言
詈Full Character
=
罒wang3
top
言yan2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 詈?

How to say to curse, to scold; to accuse in Chinese

“to curse, to scold; to accuse” in Chinese is詈lì

The character 詈 (lì) refers to the act of cursing or scolding someone. It is often used in contexts where there is an expression of anger or discontent, typically directed towards another person. This term can also imply accusations or harsh criticisms, making it particularly strong in its emotional connotation.

When to use 詈

詈 is generally used in more formal or literary contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with milder terms for disagreement or criticism. Be mindful of the tone when using it, as it can come off as very aggressive.

詈 or something close to it

骂 (mà, to scold) — use 詈 (lì) for a stronger, more formal expression of cursing than 骂 (mà).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 詈 with softer terms for criticism, using it when they mean to simply express disagreement. For example, saying '我詈你' (wǒ lì nǐ) instead of '我不同意你' (wǒ bùtóngyì nǐ, I disagree with you) can sound overly aggressive.

Write 詈

詈

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

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Word Family of 詈

Words Containing This Character2
詈lìto curse
詈骂to abuse詈罵
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 詈 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 詈

No, 詈 is more often found in literary contexts or formal writing rather than in casual speech.

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