Learn a Chinese Character - 立

1. Character Basics

Radical: 立 (self-radical)

Stroke Count: 5

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Stand; stand up; establish; set up; found; exist; be present; immediate; upright; vertical; erect; independent; firm; resolute

4. Common Words

• 站立 (zhànlì) - to stand; to be standing
• 成立 (chénglì) - to establish; to found; to set up
• 独立 (dúlì) - independent; to stand alone; to gain independence
• 立即 (lìjí) - immediately; at once; right away
• 立正 (lìzhèng) - to stand at attention
• 立场 (lìchǎng) - position; stand; viewpoint; standpoint
• 立法 (lìfǎ) - legislation; lawmaking
• 立冬 (lìdōng) - Beginning of Winter (one of the 24 solar terms)

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "立" is a versatile character that can be used as a verb, adjective, or component in compound words.

Grammar Patterns:

• As a verb: 立 (to stand), 立起来 (to stand up)
• 立 + 名: 立场 (position), 立法 (legislation)
• 动 + 立: 站立 (to stand), 成立 (to establish)
• 立 + 副: 立即 (immediately), 立刻 (at once)
• 四字成语: 立竿见影 (immediate effect), 独立自主 (independence), 亭亭玉立 (graceful and upright)

6. Cultural Background

The character "立" holds significant cultural meaning in Chinese society, symbolizing stability, foundation, and independence.

In ancient Chinese philosophy, "立" was associated with the concept of standing firm and upright, both physically and morally. This is reflected in the Confucian idea of "修身齐家治国平天下" (self-cultivation, family harmony, nation governance, world peace), where personal uprightness is the foundation.

The character is also used in important cultural contexts such as the 24 solar terms, with "立春" (Beginning of Spring) and "立冬" (Beginning of Winter) marking the start of seasons.

In traditional Chinese culture, the act of "站立" (standing) with good posture was considered a sign of respect and dignity, and is still valued today.

The idiom "立竿见影" (immediate effect) reflects the practical and result-oriented aspects of Chinese thinking.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "立" (lì) visually resembles a person standing upright, which directly relates to its meaning of standing.

To remember the character:

• Visualize a person standing with legs slightly apart and body upright
• Notice that the character has 5 strokes, which can be associated with the five parts of the body needed for standing (head, torso, two arms, two legs - simplified to five main parts)
• Associate the character with common words like "站立" (to stand) and "立即" (immediately) to reinforce its meaning and usage
• Practice writing the character following the stroke order to help with memorization
• Think of the idiom "立竿见影" (immediate effect) to remember both the character and its cultural significance