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March 24, 2026
吏lì(li4)
The character 吏 (lì) refers to a government official or magistrate, particularly in historical contexts. It typically denotes a minor government functionary, emphasizing roles within the bureaucratic system, especially in ancient China.
Strokes6Radical口Frequency#29687DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, officials like 吏 played crucial roles in the administration of justice and local governance, reflecting the importance of bureaucracy in maintaining order and governance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'li'ttle official sitting at a desk with a stack of papers, representing the bureaucratic duties of a government official. The character 吏 has a mouth (口) on the left, symbolizing the speaking and communication often required in official roles.
Meanings of 吏
lì(li4)
1government official, magistrate
2minor government official or functionary (old)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 吏
吏Simplified
6Strokes
口Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 吏
Podcast: 吏
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AI Study Notes for 吏
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'li'ttle official sitting at a desk with a stack of papers, representing the bureaucratic duties of a government official. The character 吏 has a mouth (口) on the left, symbolizing the speaking and communication often required in official roles.
Usage Notes
Learners should note that 吏 is an older term and may not appear frequently in contemporary contexts, but is still relevant in historical discussions. It is more formal, so use it in contexts discussing governance or historical governance.
HSK Study Tips
While 吏 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners interested in reading classical texts or understanding historical governance. Focus on recognizing the character in context, especially in literature or historical documents.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, officials like 吏 played crucial roles in the administration of justice and local governance, reflecting the importance of bureaucracy in maintaining order and governance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 吏 with other similar terms for officials, such as 官 (guān), which refers to officials in a broader sense. Remember, 吏 is specifically for minor officials.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吏
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The characters 史 (history), 吏 (government official), 使 (cause; use; instruct), and 事 (matter; work; affair) are all etymologically related and all derive from the same ancient character, depicting a hand (又) holding some object.
There are vario
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Grammar Patterns of 吏
吏 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
威尔逊不是个与小官小____打交道的人。
Wilson was not a man who dealt with petty officials.
Wilson was not a man who dealt with petty officials.
2
狱吏冲进牢房把他吊死了。
yù lì chōng jìn láo fáng bǎ tā diào sǐ le。
Guards rushed into his cell and strung him up.
3
许多美洲殖民地的人认为英国税吏凶残手辣.
xǔ duō měi zhōu zhí mín dì de rén rèn wéi yīng guó shuì lì xiōng cán shǒu là.
Many American colonists believed that the English tax collectors were too heavy - handed.
Cultural Notes for 吏
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, officials like 吏 played crucial roles in the administration of justice and local governance, reflecting the importance of bureaucracy in maintaining order and governance.
Word Family of 吏
Words Containing This Character9
吏lìminor government official or functionary (old)
官吏guānlìbureaucrat
贪官污吏grasping officials, corrupt mandarins (idiom); abuse and corruption貪官污吏
吏部Ministry of Appointments (in imperial China)
吏治achievement in office
狱吏prison guard獄吏
属吏underling屬吏
污吏a corrupt official
赃官污吏grasping officials, corrupt mandarins (idiom); abuse and corruption贓官污吏
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 吏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 吏
Unlike more general terms for officials, 吏 specifically refers to minor or lower-level government functionaries, often in historical contexts.
