unknown, 10 strokes, radical 犭, rank #47088, Very Hard
狸
lí
fox-like animal
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 犭, rank #47088, Very Hard
lí(li2) T2
1fox
2raccoon dog
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
狸lí(li2)
The character 狸 (lí) refers to a raccoon dog or a fox-like animal, often associated with cunning and cleverness in Chinese literature and folklore. This term is commonly used in discussions about wildlife and nature, especially in the context of animal behavior or habitats.
Strokes10Radical犭Frequency#47088DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, animals like the raccoon dog are often featured in folklore and stories that highlight their cunning nature. They are sometimes seen as symbols of adaptability and survival in urban environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sly raccoon wearing a mask, symbolizing its cleverness, which connects to the character 狸. The left side of the character represents a 'dog' radical (犭), while the right side suggests its fox-like appearance. Picture this crafty creature sneaking around, making the connection to its name memorable.
Meanings of 狸
lí(li2)
1fox
2raccoon dog
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 狸
狸Simplified
10Strokes
犭Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 狸
Podcast: 狸
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AI Study Notes for 狸
Quick Contrast
狸 (lí) vs 狐 (hú) — use 狸 for raccoon dogs, while 狐 specifically refers to foxes.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sly raccoon wearing a mask, symbolizing its cleverness, which connects to the character 狸. The left side of the character represents a 'dog' radical (犭), while the right side suggests its fox-like appearance. Picture this crafty creature sneaking around, making the connection to its name memorable.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 狸 with similar animals like 狐 (hú, fox) and 狼 (láng, wolf). This term is more informal and used in specific contexts relating to animal discussions, so be cautious about using it in formal writing. Remember that the correct tone is crucial, as slipping from the second tone can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 狸 is not an HSK word, it can be linked to animals vocabulary typically introduced at HSK Level 1 and 2. Focus on practicing the pronunciation and understanding its usage in sentences about wildlife to reinforce your learning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, animals like the raccoon dog are often featured in folklore and stories that highlight their cunning nature. They are sometimes seen as symbols of adaptability and survival in urban environments.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 狸 with 狐 (fox), as both refer to similar animals; for example, saying '我看到了一只狸' when referring to a fox is incorrect—use '狐' instead. Additionally, mispronouncing the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狸
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Grammar Patterns of 狸
狸 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 3 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
画面中一只狐____正被一群猎狗撕咬得肠子外流。
It shows a fox being disembowelled by a pack of hounds.
For many years the leading fixatives were the animal products ambergris, civet, musk and castoreum.
9
被夹子夹住腿的狐狸
bèi jiā zǐ jiā zhù tuǐ de hú lí
a fox with its leg in a trap
10
他因管理有方而为自己赢得了“老狐狸”的绰号。
tā yīn guǎn lǐ yǒu fāng ér wéi zì jǐ yíng dé le“ “ lǎo hú” lí ” de。
He governed with an adroitness that gained him the nickname "the old fox".
Cultural Notes for 狸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, animals like the raccoon dog are often featured in folklore and stories that highlight their cunning nature. They are sometimes seen as symbols of adaptability and survival in urban environments.
Word Family of 狸
Words Containing This Character12
狐狸fox
海狸beaver
狸líraccoon dog
狐狸精fox-spirit
老狐狸old fox
狸猫leopard cat狸貓
狐狸尾巴to reveal one's evil nature
果子狸masked palm civet (Paguma larvata)
河狸beaver
海狸鼠coypu
狸子leopard cat
狐狸座Vulpecula (constellation)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 狐狸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 狸
狸 specifically refers to raccoon dogs, which are distinct from foxes (狐) in both appearance and behavior.
No, 狸 is more specific to raccoon dogs; for general foxes, use 狐.
While there are no prominent idioms, discussions about wildlife may often include this term.
