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梳理 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
梳理shūlǐto combHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #15999, Very Hard
梳理shūlǐfig. to sort outHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #15999, Very Hard
shūlǐ(shu1li3)shu li T1
  1. 1to comb
  2. 2fig. to sort out
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March 24, 2026

梳理shūlǐ(shu1li3)

The term '梳理' (shū lǐ) literally means 'to comb' and is often used figuratively to mean 'to sort out' or 'to clarify.' It is commonly used in contexts such as organizing thoughts, arranging information, or managing tasks, emphasizing the action of untangling and organizing in a systematic way.

Strokes22Frequency#15999DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of '梳理' reflects a value placed on clarity and order, particularly in communication and study. It's common to hear this term in contexts like business meetings or academic discussions, where clarity is essential.

Memory tip

Think of '梳' (shū) as a comb that helps you untangle hair, and '理' (lǐ) as reasoning or order. Imagine a person using a comb to sort out their messy hair, which symbolizes sorting out ideas or tasks in life.

Meanings of 梳理

shūlǐ(shu1li3)
1to comb
2fig. to sort out
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About 梳理

梳理Simplified
22Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 梳理

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AI study notes for 梳理

Quick Contrast

理清 (lǐqīng) - use '梳理' when emphasizing a systematic organization process, while '理清' focuses more on clarifying or making something clear.

Usage Notes

'梳理' is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in academic or business settings when discussing organization and clarity. A common mistake is using it too casually; ensure that the context fits the nuance of sorting or clarifying rather than just cleaning up.

HSK Study Tips

While '梳理' is not a standard HSK word, it connects well with HSK level vocabulary related to organization and clarity, such as '整理' (zhěng lǐ - to tidy up). Focus on understanding the metaphorical use of this term to enhance your comprehension of similar expressions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '梳理' with '整理' (zhěng lǐ), using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '我需要整理我的想法' (I need to arrange my thoughts) when '梳理' would emphasize the need for clarity instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 梳理

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Component characters

梳shūa comb
HSK 711 strokes木
View full entry
理lǐtexture
HSK 611 strokes王
View full entry

How to say to comb in Chinese

“to comb” in Chinese is梳理shūlǐ

The term '梳理' (shū lǐ) literally means 'to comb' and is often used figuratively to mean 'to sort out' or 'to clarify.' It is commonly used in contexts such as organizing thoughts, arranging information, or managing tasks, emphasizing the action of untangling and organizing in a systematic way.

When to use 梳理

'梳理' is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in academic or business settings when discussing organization and clarity. A common mistake is using it too casually; ensure that the context fits the nuance of sorting or clarifying rather than just cleaning up.

梳理 or something close to it

理清 (lǐqīng) - use '梳理' when emphasizing a systematic organization process, while '理清' focuses more on clarifying or making something clear.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '梳理' with '整理' (zhěng lǐ), using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '我需要整理我的想法' (I need to arrange my thoughts) when '梳理' would emphasize the need for clarity instead.

Write 梳理

梳
理

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Frequently asked questions about 梳理

'梳理' is more suited for formal contexts, so while it can be used casually, it may come off as overly serious.

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