Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
黎lí(Li2)
The character 黎 (lí) primarily refers to the Li ethnic group native to Hainan Province in China. It can also denote the color black or signify numerousness, often used in contexts discussing large quantities or populations. Additionally, it serves as a surname and an abbreviation for Lebanon.
Strokes15Radical黍Frequency#15082DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The Li ethnic group has its own unique culture, language, and traditions, distinct from Han Chinese culture. This character embodies the rich diversity within Chinese society, especially in regions like Hainan.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'black' (the meaning of 黎) 'Li' (sounds like 'lí') standing under a black sky. The character's dark component (黑) visually represents 'black,' while the Li ethnic group adds a cultural layer to remember.
Meanings of 黎
lí(Li2)
1Li ethnic group of Hainan Province
2black
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 黎
黎Simplified
15Strokes
黍Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#15082Frequency Rank
Podcast: 黎
Podcast: 黎
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 黎
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 黎 with other similar-sounding characters, like 理 (lǐ) or 李 (lǐ). It is more frequently used in formal contexts, especially when discussing ethnicities or demographics. Pay attention to the third tone, which can change the meaning dramatically.
HSK Study Tips
While 黎 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects to Level 3 vocabulary related to ethnic groups and colors. Students should focus on the pronunciation and context where 黎 is used to describe groups or quantities, enhancing their understanding of ethnic diversity in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 黎 with 李 (lǐ) when writing or speaking, leading to incorrect uses in names or contexts. For example, saying '我姓黎' ('My surname is 黎') instead of '我姓李' ('My surname is 李') when they mean to refer to the common surname.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 黎
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 黎 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 黎? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Decomposition of 黎
IDS Structure⿰黍？
黎Full Character
=
黍shu3
left
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 黎?
How to say surname Li in Chinese
“surname Li” in Chinese is黎lí
The character 黎 (lí) primarily refers to the Li ethnic group native to Hainan Province in China. It can also denote the color black or signify numerousness, often used in contexts discussing large quantities or populations. Additionally, it serves as a surname and an abbreviation for Lebanon.
When to use 黎
Common mistakes include confusing 黎 with other similar-sounding characters, like 理 (lǐ) or 李 (lǐ). It is more frequently used in formal contexts, especially when discussing ethnicities or demographics. Pay attention to the third tone, which can change the meaning dramatically.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 黎 with 李 (lǐ) when writing or speaking, leading to incorrect uses in names or contexts. For example, saying '我姓黎' ('My surname is 黎') instead of '我姓李' ('My surname is 李') when they mean to refer to the common surname.
Write 黎
黎
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 黎 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 黎
黎 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 7 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
我的朋友姓____，他很喜欢打篮球。
My friend's surname is Li, and he likes playing basketball.
Example Sentences for 黎 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
nrsurname Li4
1
我的朋友姓黎，他很喜欢打篮球。
Wǒ de péngyǒu xìng Lí, tā hěn xǐhuān dǎ lánqiú.
My friend's surname is Li, and he likes playing basketball.
2
黎先生是我们的中文老师。
Lí xiānshēng shì wǒmen de Zhōngwén lǎoshī.
Mr. Li is our Chinese teacher.
3
我和黎小姐在咖啡店见面。
Wǒ hé Lí xiǎojiě zài kāfēi diàn jiànmiàn.
Miss Li and I are meeting at the coffee shop.
4
黎太太喜欢种花。
Lí tàitài xǐhuān zhòng huā.
Mrs. Li likes to grow flowers.
nrLi ethnic group of Hainan Province12
5
黎明时分，我把他叫醒，告诉他我们要走了。
lí míng shí fēn， ， wǒ bǎ tā jiào， xǐng ， gào sù tā wǒ mén yào。
