Meanings of 勒
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About 勒
Podcast: 勒
Podcast: 勒
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AI Study Notes for 勒
勒 (lè) vs 缚 (fù) — use 勒 when referring to tightening or compelling, while 缚 specifically means to bind or tie up.
Learners often confuse 勒 with similar characters that also imply force or binding, such as 束 (shù) which means to bind or tie up. This character is generally used in more formal contexts, especially in literature, so be mindful of the register when using it.
While 勒 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to Level 4 vocabulary related to actions and commands. Students should focus on understanding its various meanings and how it can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
A common mistake is using 勒 interchangeably with 绑 (bǎng), which specifically means 'to tie'. For example, saying '勒东西' (lè dōngxī) to mean 'to tie something' is incorrect; the correct term is '绑东西' (bǎng dōngxī).
Pronunciation of 勒
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Etymology of 勒
Phonosemantic compound. 力 represents the meaning and 革 represents the sound.
strength
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 勒
Phonosemantic compound. 力 represents the meaning and 革 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half力 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half革 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaystrength
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 勒? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 勒
Identify the Components
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How to say to strangle; to tighten in Chinese
“to strangle; to tighten” in Chinese is勒
The character 勒 (lè) primarily means to tighten or to strangle. It is often used in contexts where something is being bound tightly or compelled, such as tightening a strap or reins. Additionally, it can have literary connotations related to commanding or leading.
When to use 勒
Learners often confuse 勒 with similar characters that also imply force or binding, such as 束 (shù) which means to bind or tie up. This character is generally used in more formal contexts, especially in literature, so be mindful of the register when using it.
勒 or something close to it
勒 (lè) vs 缚 (fù) — use 勒 when referring to tightening or compelling, while 缚 specifically means to bind or tie up.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 勒 interchangeably with 绑 (bǎng), which specifically means 'to tie'. For example, saying '勒东西' (lè dōngxī) to mean 'to tie something' is incorrect; the correct term is '绑东西' (bǎng dōngxī).
Write 勒
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Practice writing 勒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 勒
勒 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 12 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.
Complete the Sentence
埃____里的归来可以驱散一些抑郁的情绪。
Ellery's return will help to chase away some of the gloom.
Example Sentences for 勒 (10)
Word Family of 勒
Compound Meaning
What does 勒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 勒
Common phrases include 勒紧 (lè jǐn), meaning 'to tighten', and 勒马 (lè mǎ), referring to 'reining in a horse'.
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