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狸 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
狸
lí
fox
n, 10 strokes, radical 犭, rank #47088, Very Hard
狸
lí
raccoon dog
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)li T2
1fox
2raccoon dog
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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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 狸 means.
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.
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.
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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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 狸 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.
狸 = 犭 + 里. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 狸
IDS Structure⿰犭里
狸Full character
=
犭quan3
left
里li3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 狸?
How to say fox in Chinese
“fox” in Chinese is狸lí
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.
When to use 狸
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.
狸 or something close to it
狸 (lí) vs 狐 (hú) — use 狸 for raccoon dogs, while 狐 specifically refers to foxes.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 狸
狸
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Practice writing 狸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
Example sentences for 狸 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
画面中一只狐狸正被一群猎狗撕咬得肠子外流。
huàmiàn zhōng yī zhī húli zhèng bèi yī qún liè gǒu sī yǎo de cháng zi wài liú。
It shows a fox being disembowelled by a pack of hounds.
2
即使从远处看，他的狐狸戏服也很抢眼。
jíshǐ cóng yuǎnchù kàn， tā de húli xì fú yě hěn qiǎngyǎn。
Even from a distance the effect of his fox costume was stunning.
