Meanings of 勒
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About 勒
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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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Jason Explains 勒 to You
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How Well Do You Know 勒?
Learning Lab
Knowing 勒 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 勒
Phonosemantic compound. 力 represents the meaning and 革 represents the sound.
strength
Origin
勒 = 力 + 革. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 勒
Parts
Which of these is part of 勒?
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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
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Word Family of 勒
Words with 勒
What does 巴勒斯坦 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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