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March 24, 2026
黎lí(Li2)
The character 黎 (lí) primarily refers to the Li ethnic group native to Hainan Province in China. It can also denote the color black or signify numerousness, often used in contexts discussing large quantities or populations. Additionally, it serves as a surname and an abbreviation for Lebanon.
Strokes15Radical黍Frequency#15082DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
The Li ethnic group has its own unique culture, language, and traditions, distinct from Han Chinese culture. This character embodies the rich diversity within Chinese society, especially in regions like Hainan.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'black' (the meaning of 黎) 'Li' (sounds like 'lí') standing under a black sky. The character's dark component (黑) visually represents 'black,' while the Li ethnic group adds a cultural layer to remember.
Meanings of 黎
lí(Li2)
1Li ethnic group of Hainan Province
2black
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 黎 means.
About 黎
黎Simplified
15Strokes
黍Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#15082Frequency Rank
Podcast: 黎
Podcast: 黎
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AI study notes for 黎
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 黎 with other similar-sounding characters, like 理 (lǐ) or 李 (lǐ). It is more frequently used in formal contexts, especially when discussing ethnicities or demographics. Pay attention to the third tone, which can change the meaning dramatically.
HSK Study Tips
While 黎 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects to Level 3 vocabulary related to ethnic groups and colors. Students should focus on the pronunciation and context where 黎 is used to describe groups or quantities, enhancing their understanding of ethnic diversity in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 黎 with 李 (lǐ) when writing or speaking, leading to incorrect uses in names or contexts. For example, saying '我姓黎' ('My surname is 黎') instead of '我姓李' ('My surname is 李') when they mean to refer to the common surname.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 黎
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 黎 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.
The character 黎 (lí) primarily refers to the Li ethnic group native to Hainan Province in China. It can also denote the color black or signify numerousness, often used in contexts discussing large quantities or populations. Additionally, it serves as a surname and an abbreviation for Lebanon.
When to use 黎
Common mistakes include confusing 黎 with other similar-sounding characters, like 理 (lǐ) or 李 (lǐ). It is more frequently used in formal contexts, especially when discussing ethnicities or demographics. Pay attention to the third tone, which can change the meaning dramatically.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 黎 with 李 (lǐ) when writing or speaking, leading to incorrect uses in names or contexts. For example, saying '我姓黎' ('My surname is 黎') instead of '我姓李' ('My surname is 李') when they mean to refer to the common surname.
Write 黎
黎
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Practice writing 黎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 黎
黎 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 7 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 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我的朋友姓____，他很喜欢打篮球。
My friend's surname is Li, and he likes playing basketball.
Example sentences for 黎 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
nrsurname Li4
1
我的朋友姓黎，他很喜欢打篮球。
Wǒ de péngyǒu xìng Lí, tā hěn xǐhuān dǎ lánqiú.
My friend's surname is Li, and he likes playing basketball.
2
黎先生是我们的中文老师。
Lí xiānshēng shì wǒmen de Zhōngwén lǎoshī.
Mr. Li is our Chinese teacher.
3
我和黎小姐在咖啡店见面。
Wǒ hé Lí xiǎojiě zài kāfēi diàn jiànmiàn.
Miss Li and I are meeting at the coffee shop.
4
黎太太喜欢种花。
Lí tàitài xǐhuān zhòng huā.
Mrs. Li likes to grow flowers.
nrLi ethnic group of Hainan Province12
5
黎明时分，我把他叫醒，告诉他我们要走了。
límíng shí fēn， wǒ bǎ tā jiào xǐng， gàosu tā wǒmen yào zǒu le。
