Learn a Chinese Character - 梨

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木 (tree/wood radical)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lí (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Pear; pear tree; Chinese pear; Pyrus pyrifolia; fruit of the pear tree

4. Common Words

• 梨子 (lízǐ) - pear (fruit)
• 梨树 (líshù) - pear tree
• 梨汁 (lízhī) - pear juice
• 梨园 (líyuán) - pear orchard; also refers to the opera world
• 梨膏 (lígāo) - pear paste (a traditional Chinese medicine made from pears)
• 雪梨 (xuělí) - snow pear (a variety of pear)
• 梨酒 (líjiǔ) - pear wine
• 梨脯 (lífǔ) - dried pear

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "梨" is primarily used as a noun referring to the pear fruit or pear tree.

Grammar Patterns:

• Used as a noun: 一个梨 (yī gè lí) - a pear
• Used in compound words related to pears: 梨汁 (pear juice), 梨树 (pear tree)
• Used in idiomatic expressions: 梨园子弟 (líyuán zǐdì) - opera performers
• Used in metaphorical expressions: 梨花带雨 (líhuā dàiyǔ) - pear blossoms dripping with rain, describing a beauty with tears

6. Cultural Background

The pear has important cultural significance in Chinese culture and has been cultivated in China for thousands of years.

In Chinese culture, pears are often associated with longevity and good fortune. They are a common fruit used in traditional Chinese medicine for their cooling properties.

The term "梨园" (líyuán) originally referred to a pear orchard in the Tang Dynasty, but later became a metaphor for the Chinese opera world. This is because Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (reigned 712-756) established an opera training school in a pear orchard.

The idiom "梨花带雨" (líhuā dàiyǔ) meaning "pear blossoms dripping with rain" is often used to describe a beautiful woman with tears, symbolizing delicate beauty.

Pears also play a role in Chinese cuisine, both as a fresh fruit and as an ingredient in various dishes and desserts.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "梨" (lí) consists of:

• The radical "木" (mù, tree/wood) on the bottom
• The component "利" (lì, meaning sharp or profit) on the top

To remember the character, think of it as "a tree that produces a fruit with a sharp taste" or "a profitable tree."

Practice writing the character following the stroke order to help with memorization.

Associate the character with common words like "梨子" (pear) and "梨汁" (pear juice) to reinforce its meaning.

Remember the cultural significance of "梨园" (pear orchard) as a term for the Chinese opera world to connect the character with Chinese culture.