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独立 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
独立
dúlì
independent
HSK 5, v, 14 strokes, rank #2440, Hard
独立
dúlì
independence
HSK 5, v, 14 strokes, rank #2440, Hard
独立
dúlì
to stand alone
HSK 5, v, 14 strokes, rank #2440, Hard
dúlì(du2li4)du li T2
1independent
2independence
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March 24, 2026
独立(獨立)dúlì(du2li4)
独立 (dúlì) means 'independent' or 'to stand alone.' It is commonly used to describe a person's ability to be self-sufficient or to make decisions without relying on others. This term can also refer to a state of independence, such as a country's sovereignty.
Strokes14Frequency#2440DifficultyHard
Cultural note
The concept of independence is deeply rooted in Chinese history, particularly in discussions surrounding national sovereignty and the Opium Wars. Understanding 独立 can provide insights into contemporary issues in Chinese society, such as personal autonomy versus collective responsibility.
Memory tip
Imagine a lone tree (独) standing tall on a hill (立), representing independence. The tree has deep roots, symbolizing strength and self-sufficiency. You can remember the pronunciation 'dú' by thinking of a 'duel' where someone stands alone against an opponent, emphasizing independence.
Meanings of 独立
dúlì(du2li4)
1independent
2independence
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 独立
独立Simplified
獨立Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2440Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 独立
Podcast: 独立
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AI study notes for 独立
Quick Contrast
自主 (zìzhǔ) refers to 'autonomous' or 'self-directed,' emphasizing self-governance in decision-making, while 独立 (dúlì) focuses more on the state of being independent from external control.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 独立, as it can have both personal and political implications. It is often used in formal contexts when discussing individual rights or national sovereignty. A common mistake is to confuse it with other words like 自立 (zìlì), which emphasizes self-reliance more than independence.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 独立 connects well with other words related to autonomy and self-sufficiency, such as 自由 (zìyóu - freedom) and 依赖 (yīlài - dependence). Students should focus on using it in compound phrases or in discussions about personal growth or political topics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often incorrectly use 独立 in contexts where 自立 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我想独立' (Wǒ xiǎng dúlì) instead of '我想自立' (Wǒ xiǎng zìlì) when referring to personal self-reliance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 独立
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独立 (dúlì) means 'independent' or 'to stand alone.' It is commonly used to describe a person's ability to be self-sufficient or to make decisions without relying on others. This term can also refer to a state of independence, such as a country's sovereignty.
When to use 独立
Be mindful of the context in which you use 独立, as it can have both personal and political implications. It is often used in formal contexts when discussing individual rights or national sovereignty. A common mistake is to confuse it with other words like 自立 (zìlì), which emphasizes self-reliance more than independence.
独立 or something close to it
自主 (zìzhǔ) refers to 'autonomous' or 'self-directed,' emphasizing self-governance in decision-making, while 独立 (dúlì) focuses more on the state of being independent from external control.
What learners get wrong
Learners often incorrectly use 独立 in contexts where 自立 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我想独立' (Wǒ xiǎng dúlì) instead of '我想自立' (Wǒ xiǎng zìlì) when referring to personal self-reliance.
Write 独立
独
立
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Practice writing 独立 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 独立
独立 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 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.
