Meanings of 黎明
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 黎明
Podcast: 黎明
Podcast: 黎明
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 黎明
曙光 (shǔguāng) refers specifically to the first light of dawn, while 黎明 (lí míng) encompasses the entire period leading up to sunrise.
Be careful not to confuse 黎明 with similar terms for morning, such as 早晨 (zǎo chén), which is more general. 黎明 tends to be used in more poetic or formal contexts, while 早晨 is more everyday language. Ensure you use the correct tones when pronouncing the word, especially since both characters are second tone and may lead to misunderstandings if mispronounced.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 黎明 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to time and nature. Focus on its usage in literary contexts and practice forming sentences that convey more abstract meanings, such as hope and renewal.
Learners often mistakenly use 黎明 interchangeably with 早晨, not realizing that 黎明 has a more specific meaning tied to the dawn. For example, saying '我们在黎明见面' (We will meet at dawn) is correct, but using it to mean 'in the morning' is less appropriate.
Pronunciation of 黎明
Drill the tone of 黎明 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say dawn in Chinese
“dawn” in Chinese is黎明
黎明 (lí míng) refers to the period of time just before sunrise when the day begins to break, often associated with new beginnings and hope. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as describing the start of a new day or a fresh start in life.
When to use 黎明
Be careful not to confuse 黎明 with similar terms for morning, such as 早晨 (zǎo chén), which is more general. 黎明 tends to be used in more poetic or formal contexts, while 早晨 is more everyday language. Ensure you use the correct tones when pronouncing the word, especially since both characters are second tone and may lead to misunderstandings if mispronounced.
黎明 or something close to it
曙光 (shǔguāng) refers specifically to the first light of dawn, while 黎明 (lí míng) encompasses the entire period leading up to sunrise.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 黎明 interchangeably with 早晨, not realizing that 黎明 has a more specific meaning tied to the dawn. For example, saying '我们在黎明见面' (We will meet at dawn) is correct, but using it to mean 'in the morning' is less appropriate.
Write 黎明
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 黎明 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 黎明
黎明 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 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.
Complete the Sentence
____时分，我把他叫醒，告诉他我们要走了。
At dawn I woke him up and said we were leaving.
Example Sentences for 黎明 (5)
Frequently Asked Questions about 黎明
黎明 refers specifically to the dawn, the very beginning of the day, while 早晨 is a broader term for morning that can refer to any time after dawn.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 黎明?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.