Learn a Chinese Character - 厉

1. Character Basics

Radical: 厂 (cliff radical)

Stroke Count: 5

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Strict; severe; harsh; stern; fierce; intense; rigorous; sharp; cruel; brutal; ferocious; relentless; uncompromising; exacting; stringent; hard; tough; strong; violent

4. Common Words

• 严厉 (yánlì) - strict; severe; harsh; stern
• 厉害 (lìhai) - fierce; powerful; severe; terrible; formidable
• 厉行 (lìxíng) - to strictly enforce; to rigorously carry out
• 厉色 (lìsè) - stern expression; severe look
• 厉风 (lìfēng) - strong wind; gale
• 厉鬼 (lìguǐ) - fierce ghost; evil spirit
• 厉声 (lìshēng) - in a stern voice; sharply
• 厉兵秣马 (lìbīngmòmǎ) - to sharpen weapons and feed horses; to make preparations for war

5. Grammar & Usage

"厉" is often used as an adjective to describe something severe, strict, or intense. It can also be used as a component in compound words.

Grammar Patterns:

• 厉 + 形: 严厉 (strict), 厉害 (formidable)
• 厉 + 动: 厉行 (strictly enforce), 厉禁 (strictly prohibit)
• 名 + 厉: 风厉 (strong wind), 雷厉 (thunderous)
• 厉 + 色: 厉色 (stern expression)
• 厉 + 声: 厉声 (stern voice)
• 四字成语: 厉兵秣马 (prepare for war), 再接再厉 (make persistent efforts)

6. Cultural Background

The character "厉" has significant cultural connotations in Chinese society, particularly in the context of discipline, authority, and strength.

In traditional Chinese culture, being "严厉" (strict) is often seen as a positive quality in teachers, parents, and leaders, reflecting care and responsibility.

The idiom "厉兵秣马" (to sharpen weapons and feed horses) originates from ancient military practices, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of "厉害" (formidable) can refer to both physical strength and mental resilience, qualities highly valued in Chinese culture.

The character is also used in cultural expressions related to weather, spirits, and other phenomena that require respect or caution.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "厉" (lì) consists of two parts:

• The radical "厂" (cliff radical) on the left, suggesting a sense of strength or solidity
• The component "万" on the right

To remember the character, think of it as "a cliff (厂) with something intense or severe (万) behind it," which relates to its meaning of strictness or intensity.

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

Associate the character with common words like "严厉" (strict) and "厉害" (formidable) to reinforce its meaning.

Listen to and practice the pronunciation "lì" to become familiar with its sound.