Li (c. 2000 BC), sixth of the legendary Flame Emperors 炎帝[Yán dì] descended from Shennong 神農
m, 9 strokes, radical 厂, rank #20959, Very Hard
厘
lí
Farmer God, also known as Ai 哀[Āi]
m, 9 strokes, radical 厂, rank #20959, Very Hard
lí(li2)li T2
1one hundredth
2centi-
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March 24, 2026
厘(釐)lí(li2)
The character 厘 (lí) primarily denotes a unit of measurement that signifies one hundredth or 'centi-' in the metric system. It is a variant of the character 釐 and is used in contexts involving precise measurements, especially in scientific or mathematical discussions.
Strokes9Radical厂Frequency#20959DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, measurements have deep roots, often tied to agriculture and trade. The concept of '厘' relates to the precision required in these practices, reflecting the importance of accuracy in historical Chinese commerce.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny measuring scale where every tiny notch represents a 'centi-' measurement. The character 厘 resembles a small tool, like a ruler, used for making precise measurements, helping you remember it represents something very small or fractional.
Meanings of 厘
lí(li2)
1one hundredth
2centi-
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 厘 means.
About 厘
厘Simplified
釐Traditional
9Strokes
厂Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#20959Frequency Rank
Podcast: 厘
Podcast: 厘
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AI Study Notes for 厘
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 厘 with its more common variant 釐; thus, it's important to understand their contexts. This character is more formal and is typically used in technical or scientific language, so avoid using it in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 厘 is not found in the HSK levels, understanding this character can enhance your grasp of measurement-related vocabulary, especially when studying units in Chinese. Focus on its connection to other measurement terms and characters.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 厘 in casual conversation, where more common terms like 公分 (gōng fēn) are appropriate. For example, saying '我有五厘的长度' (I have a length of five centimeters) sounds awkward; instead, use '公分'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 厘
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How Well Do You Know 厘?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 厘 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.
厘 = 厂 + 里. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 厘
IDS Structure⿸厂里
厘Full Character
=
厂chang3
enclosing
里li3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 厘?
How to say one hundredth in Chinese
“one hundredth” in Chinese is厘lí
The character 厘 (lí) primarily denotes a unit of measurement that signifies one hundredth or 'centi-' in the metric system. It is a variant of the character 釐 and is used in contexts involving precise measurements, especially in scientific or mathematical discussions.
When to use 厘
Learners often confuse 厘 with its more common variant 釐; thus, it's important to understand their contexts. This character is more formal and is typically used in technical or scientific language, so avoid using it in everyday conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly use 厘 in casual conversation, where more common terms like 公分 (gōng fēn) are appropriate. For example, saying '我有五厘的长度' (I have a length of five centimeters) sounds awkward; instead, use '公分'.
Write 厘
厘
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Practice writing 厘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 厘
厘 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 5 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.
