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March 24, 2026
理发(理髮)lǐfà(li3fa4)
理发 (lǐfà) refers to the act of cutting or styling hair, typically performed by a barber or hairdresser. It is commonly used in contexts related to personal grooming and beauty services. This term can also imply the process of getting a haircut, emphasizing the service aspect of hairdressing.
Strokes16Frequency#9340DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, maintaining a well-groomed appearance is significant, and regular visits to the barber are common. Many Chinese cities feature both traditional barbershops and modern hair salons, reflecting the blend of cultural practices.
Memory Tip
Visualize a '理' (lǐ) which looks like a person holding scissors, and '发' (fà) resembles hair flowing down. Imagine the person '理' (managing) the '发' (hair) with a pair of scissors, reminding you of the pronunciation 'lǐfà'—like 'lee-fah'.
Meanings of 理发
lǐfà(li3fa4)
1a barber
2hairdressing
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About 理发
理发Simplified
理髮Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9340Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 理发
Podcast: 理发
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AI Study Notes for 理发
Quick Contrast
剪发 (jiǎnfà) - use 理发 (lǐfà) when emphasizing the service aspect of hairdressing, while 剪发 (jiǎnfà) focuses more on the act of cutting hair itself.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 理发, as a mispronunciation could lead to confusion. This term is often used in informal settings, but can also be appropriate in formal contexts when discussing grooming. Common collocations include phrases like '去理发' (qù lǐfà) meaning 'to go get a haircut'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 理发 connects with other vocabulary around personal care and services. Focus on practicing this word in sentences related to daily routines, such as discussing preferences in hairstyles or barbershops.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 理发 with 头发 (tóufa), which means 'hair' rather than the act of cutting it. A common mistake is saying '我去头发' when it should be '我去理发' (I am going to get a haircut).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 理发
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理发 (lǐfà) refers to the act of cutting or styling hair, typically performed by a barber or hairdresser. It is commonly used in contexts related to personal grooming and beauty services. This term can also imply the process of getting a haircut, emphasizing the service aspect of hairdressing.
When to use 理发
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 理发, as a mispronunciation could lead to confusion. This term is often used in informal settings, but can also be appropriate in formal contexts when discussing grooming. Common collocations include phrases like '去理发' (qù lǐfà) meaning 'to go get a haircut'.
理发 or something close to it
剪发 (jiǎnfà) - use 理发 (lǐfà) when emphasizing the service aspect of hairdressing, while 剪发 (jiǎnfà) focuses more on the act of cutting hair itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 理发 with 头发 (tóufa), which means 'hair' rather than the act of cutting it. A common mistake is saying '我去头发' when it should be '我去理发' (I am going to get a haircut).
Write 理发
理
发
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Grammar Patterns of 理发
理发 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
