Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
戾 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
戾
lì
perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant
zg, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾
lì
to bend
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾
lì
to violate
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾
lì
to go against
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
戾
lì
ruthless and tyrannical
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #62198, Very Hard
lì(li4)li T4
1perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant
2to bend
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
戾lì(li4)
The character 戾 (lì) conveys meanings related to being perverse or rebellious, often implying a sense of going against norms or rules. It may also describe actions that are ruthless or tyrannical in nature. Common usage contexts include discussions of behavior that is contrary to accepted standards or authority.
Strokes8Radical户Frequency#62198DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese history, the concept of going against established authority has often been linked to discussions of power dynamics, particularly in the context of dynastic rule and rebellion. The character 戾 can evoke historical figures who opposed oppressive regimes.
Memory tip
Imagine a rebellious child (戾) bending the rules of a game. The left side of the character resembles a person who is defying authority, while the right side resembles a bending action, emphasizing the concept of going against the norm.
Meanings of 戾
lì(li4)
1perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant
2to bend
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 戾 means.
About 戾
戾Simplified
8Strokes
户Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 戾
Podcast: 戾
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 戾
Quick Contrast
悖 (bèi) - use 悖 when emphasizing contradiction or error in reasoning, while 戾 focuses more on rebellious or perverse behavior.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 戾 as it carries a negative connotation and is typically used in formal contexts to describe behavior or actions. Common collocations include expressions like '戾气' (lìqì) meaning rebellious spirit. Avoid using it in casual conversation where softer terms might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
While 戾 is not included in the HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners at higher levels who are exploring more complex vocabulary. Focus on recognizing its usage in literature or formal speeches to understand the nuances of rebellion and authority.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 戾 with similar-sounding characters like 利 (lì), which means benefit or profit. Remember, 戾 refers to rebellious or perverse behavior, while 利 has a positive meaning related to gain.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 戾
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 戾 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 戾 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 戾?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 戾 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.
How to say perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant in Chinese
“perverse, rebellious, recalcitrant” in Chinese is戾lì
The character 戾 (lì) conveys meanings related to being perverse or rebellious, often implying a sense of going against norms or rules. It may also describe actions that are ruthless or tyrannical in nature. Common usage contexts include discussions of behavior that is contrary to accepted standards or authority.
When to use 戾
Be cautious when using 戾 as it carries a negative connotation and is typically used in formal contexts to describe behavior or actions. Common collocations include expressions like '戾气' (lìqì) meaning rebellious spirit. Avoid using it in casual conversation where softer terms might be more appropriate.
戾 or something close to it
悖 (bèi) - use 悖 when emphasizing contradiction or error in reasoning, while 戾 focuses more on rebellious or perverse behavior.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 戾 with similar-sounding characters like 利 (lì), which means benefit or profit. Remember, 戾 refers to rebellious or perverse behavior, while 利 has a positive meaning related to gain.
Write 戾
戾
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 戾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 戾
戾 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他的举止相当乖____阴郁，令人望而生畏。
He had a rather forbidding, saturnine manner.
Example sentences for 戾 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他的举止相当乖戾阴郁，令人望而生畏。
tā de jǔzhǐ xiāngdāng guāi lì yīn yù， lìng rén wàng ér shēng wèi。
