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March 24, 2026
劣liè(lie4)
The character 劣 (liè) refers to something that is considered inferior or of low quality. It is commonly used to describe objects, services, or even performances that do not meet a certain standard, often in contrast to something better. The nuance suggests a comparison where one thing is deemed less desirable than another.
Strokes6Radical力Frequency#23864DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of quality is deeply intertwined with social status and reputation. Using 劣 to describe something can reflect negatively on a person or business, making it a powerful term in evaluations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a ladder where the lowest rung is labeled '劣' (liè) to remind you that it's the inferior step. The character has the radical for 'strength' (力) suggesting something that lacks strength or quality, making it easy to remember that 劣 relates to inferiority.
Meanings of 劣
liè(lie4)
1inferior
2low-quality, inferior, bad
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 劣
劣Simplified
6Strokes
力Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#23864Frequency Rank
Podcast: 劣
Podcast: 劣
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AI Study Notes for 劣
Quick Contrast
劣 (liè) vs 差 (chà) — use 劣 to emphasize inferiority in quality, while 差 indicates a general sense of being poor or lacking.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a ladder where the lowest rung is labeled '劣' (liè) to remind you that it's the inferior step. The character has the radical for 'strength' (力) suggesting something that lacks strength or quality, making it easy to remember that 劣 relates to inferiority.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 劣 with similar-sounding words like '烈' (liè, fierce) due to tonal differences. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in critiques or evaluations, and can be collocated with words like '品质' (pǐnzhì, quality) as in '劣品质' (liè pǐnzhì, low quality).
HSK Study Tips
Though 劣 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects to other adjectives describing quality like 高 (gāo, high) and 好 (hǎo, good). Focus on its usage in comparative contexts and recognize its importance in discussions of quality.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of quality is deeply intertwined with social status and reputation. Using 劣 to describe something can reflect negatively on a person or business, making it a powerful term in evaluations.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 劣 to describe something that is simply different, rather than inferior. For example, saying '这件衣服劣于那件' (This piece of clothing is inferior to that one) without providing a clear comparison can lead to confusion. Ensure to clarify what you are comparing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 劣
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Grammar Patterns of 劣
劣 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 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.
The second-hand version is a poor copy of the original.
7
在恶劣的条件下，皮肤可能会开裂并流脓。
zài è liè de tiáo jiàn xià， ， pí fū kě néng huì kāi liè bìng liú。
In severe cases, the skin can crack and weep.
8
他们已经在恶劣不堪的条件下生活两个月了。
tā mén yǐ jīng zài è liè bù kān de tiáo jiàn xià shēng huó liǎng gè yuè le。
They have been living under the most appalling conditions for two months.
9
直升机在恶劣的天气条件下起飞前去援救遇难的船员。
zhí shēng jī zài è liè de tiān qì tiáo jiàn xià qǐ fēi qián qù yuán jiù yù nán de chuán yuán。
Helicopters fly in appalling weather to succour shipwrecked mariners.
10
亚历克因为行为恶劣被遣回了家，一下子名声扫地。
yà lì kè yīn wéi háng wéi è liè bèi qiǎn huí le jiā， ， yī xià zǐ míng shēng sǎo。
Alec blotted his copybook — got sent home for bad behaviour.
Cultural Notes for 劣
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of quality is deeply intertwined with social status and reputation. Using 劣 to describe something can reflect negatively on a person or business, making it a powerful term in evaluations.
Word Family of 劣
Compounds1
挘
Words Containing This Character17
恶劣èlièvile惡劣
劣势lièshìinferior劣勢
劣质lièzhìshoddy劣質
劣lièinferior
卑劣base
拙劣zhuōlièclumsy
低劣substandard
假冒伪劣low-quality commodities假冒偽劣
优劣good and bad優劣
优胜劣汰yōushèngliètàisurvival of the fittest (idiom)優勝劣汰
劣迹unsavory track record劣跡
伪劣inferior偽劣
粗劣coarse
顽劣stubborn and obstreperous頑劣
土豪劣绅local bosses, shady gentry (idiom); dominant local mafia土豪劣紳
劣汰elimination of the weakest
优胜劣败survival of the fittest (idiom)優勝劣敗
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 恶劣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 劣
Synonyms include 低劣 (dīliè, inferior) and 糟糕 (zāogāo, terrible), which can also describe low quality.
It is more commonly used in writing, especially in formal reports or critiques, rather than in everyday conversation.
Yes, but it is important to use it carefully, as calling someone '劣' can be seen as very derogatory.
