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March 24, 2026
烈liè(lie4)
The character 烈 (liè) conveys meanings of intensity, fierceness, and ardor. It is often used in contexts describing strong emotions, fierce actions, or remarkable deeds, such as in military or heroic exploits. The character can also imply a sense of righteousness or unwavering spirit.
Strokes10Radical灬Frequency#11005DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the term 烈士 (lièshì) is highly respected and refers to martyrs who died for noble causes, reflecting values of sacrifice and honor in the face of adversity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce fire (represented by the radical 火) burning intensely, symbolizing the passion and ardor associated with 烈 (liè). The character looks like flames rising high, which helps to remember its meaning of something fiery and intense.
Meanings of 烈
liè(lie4)
1ardent
2intense
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 烈
烈Simplified
10Strokes
灬Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#11005Frequency Rank
Podcast: 烈
Podcast: 烈
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AI Study Notes for 烈
Quick Contrast
烈 (liè) vs 强 (qiáng): Use 烈 when emphasizing intensity or fierceness, while 强 focuses on strength or capability.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fierce fire (represented by the radical 火) burning intensely, symbolizing the passion and ardor associated with 烈 (liè). The character looks like flames rising high, which helps to remember its meaning of something fiery and intense.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 烈 (liè) as it is a fourth tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This character is often used in formal contexts, such as literature or discussions about heroic deeds. Common collocations include 烈士 (lièshì, martyr) and 烈火 (lièhuǒ, fierce fire).
HSK Study Tips
While 烈 (liè) is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other words describing intensity and passion at higher levels. Students should focus on the context in which 烈 appears to fully comprehend its nuanced meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the term 烈士 (lièshì) is highly respected and refers to martyrs who died for noble causes, reflecting values of sacrifice and honor in the face of adversity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 烈 (liè) with similar-sounding words like 列 (liè), which means 'to list.' For example, saying '烈一个' instead of '列一个' can lead to misunderstandings in communication.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 烈
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Grammar Patterns of 烈
烈 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 9 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.
The lift started off, juddered, and went out of action.
4
最猛烈的暴风雨就要来了。
zuì měng liè de bào fēng yǔ jiù yào lái le。
The worst of the storm is yet to come.
5
这份报告并未收到热烈的反响。
zhè fèn bào gào bìng wèi shōu dào rè liè de fǎn xiǎng。
The report had not been received with undiluted enthusiasm.
6
他强烈地感受到这件作品的美学价值。
tā qiáng liè dì gǎn shòu dào zhè jiàn zuò pǐn de měi xué jià zhí。
He responded very strongly to the aesthetic of this particular work.
7
这一决定激起了妇女和人权组织的强烈愤慨。
zhè yī jué dìng jī qǐ le fù nǚ hé rén quán zǔ zhī de qiáng liè fèn kǎi。
The decision provoked outrage from women and human rights groups.
8
他们无疑将热烈欢迎这一举动。
tā mén wú yí jiāng rè liè huān yíng zhè yī jǔ dòng。
They would no doubt welcome the action with open arms.
9
这位死去的学生现在被视为烈士。
zhè wèi sǐ qù de xué shēng xiàn zài bèi shì wéi liè shì。
The dead student is now being regarded as a martyr.
10
嘲笑声的背后潜伏着一种越来越强烈的不安。
cháo xiào shēng de bèi hòu qián fú zháo yī zhǒng yuè lái yuè qiáng liè de bù ān。
Behind the mocking laughter lurks a growing sense of unease.
Cultural Notes for 烈
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the term 烈士 (lièshì) is highly respected and refers to martyrs who died for noble causes, reflecting values of sacrifice and honor in the face of adversity.
Word Family of 烈
Words Containing This Character20
强烈qiánglièintense強烈
激烈jīlièintense
热烈rèlièardent熱烈
剧烈jùlièviolent劇烈
猛烈měnglièfierce
烈lièardent
烈士lièshìmartyr
烈火blaze
烈酒strong alcoholic drink
轰轰烈烈strong轟轟烈烈
惨烈bitter慘烈
愈演愈烈yùyǎnyùlièever more critical
烈焰raging flames
兴高采烈xìnggāocǎilièin high spirits興高采烈
烈日Liege, town in Belgium
安德烈Andre (person name)
浓烈strong (taste, flavor, smell)濃烈
火烈鸟flamingo火烈鳥
壮烈zhuànglièbrave壯烈
烈性strong
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 强烈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 烈
烈 is not one of the most commonly used characters in everyday conversation, but it appears in literature and formal writing. It is also found in compound words and phrases that convey intensity or passion.
Some synonyms for 烈 include 激烈 (jīliè, intense) and 强烈 (qiángliè, strong). Each of these words carries a sense of intensity, but they may have slightly different connotations depending on the context.
烈 (liè) means ardent, intense, fierce, or stern. It can describe a strong feeling or character, as well as someone who is upright and dedicated to noble causes. In literature, 烈 is often used to convey passion or intensity.
You can use 烈 in a sentence to describe a strong emotion or character, such as in '他的烈性格让他在困难时刻毫不退缩' (His fierce character makes him unyielding in difficult times). It can also be used in phrases like '烈火' (intense fire) to express intensity.
In casual conversation, 烈 (liè) may be used to describe something that is very intense or strong, such as a person's passion or a flavor.
Yes, 烈 can also refer to fierce actions or achievements, particularly in heroic contexts.
In literature, 烈 often describes characters or situations that embody strong emotions or righteous actions.
