Chinese Character: 隶
1. Character Basics
Radical: 隶 (self-radical)
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: lì (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Slave; servant; subordinate; attached; belong to; membership; official script (a style of Chinese calligraphy); scribe; clerk; registrar
4. Common Words
- 奴隶 (núlì) - slave; bondsman
- 隶属 (lìshǔ) - to be subordinate to; to be attached to; to belong to
- 隶书 (lìshū) - official script (a style of Chinese calligraphy)
- 隶农 (lìnóng) - tenant farmer; serf
- 隶卒 (lìzú) - low-ranking official; servant
- 隶籍 (lìjí) - to be registered; to be enrolled
- 隶法 (lìfǎ) - the style of official script
- 隶役 (lìyì) - servitude; forced labor
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "隶" has multiple meanings and usages, primarily related to subordination, belonging, and a style of calligraphy. It is commonly used as a noun or part of compound words.
Grammar Patterns:
- 作为名词: 奴隶 (slave), 隶书 (official script), 隶卒 (low-ranking official)
- 作为动词性语素: 隶属 (to be subordinate to), 隶籍 (to be registered)
- 四字成语: 隶首之学 (mathematics; arithmetic), 隶首之术 (mathematical skills)
- 常用搭配: 隶属关系 (subordinate relationship), 隶书书法 (official script calligraphy), 奴隶制度 (slave system)
- Note: "隶" is rarely used independently in modern Chinese and is typically found in compound words.
6. Cultural Background
The character "隶" has rich cultural significance in Chinese history, particularly in relation to social hierarchy, calligraphy, and administration.
In ancient China, "隶" referred to slaves or low-ranking officials, reflecting the rigid social hierarchy of the time. The term "奴隶社会" (slave society) is used in Chinese historical studies to describe the social system of early civilizations.
One of the most important cultural meanings of "隶" is its association with Chinese calligraphy. "隶书" (official script) is one of the major styles of Chinese writing that developed during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). It was originally used by government clerks (called "隶人" - lìrén) for official documents, hence the name.
Official script represents an important transition in Chinese writing from ancient pictographic characters to the more stylized forms used today. It is characterized by its flat, wide structure and distinctive brush strokes.
The character "隶" also appears in the name of legendary figures in Chinese history, such as "隶首" (Lì Shǒu), who is traditionally credited with inventing arithmetic.
In modern usage, "隶" is most commonly encountered in the context of calligraphy and in words related to organizational relationships.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 这个部门隶属于公司总部管理。
Pinyin: Zhège bùmén lìshǔ yú gōngsī zǒngbù guǎnlǐ.
English: This department is under the management of the company headquarters.
8. Memory Tips
The character "隶" (lì) is its own radical and has 8 strokes.
To remember the character:
- Break it down into its components: the top part resembles "又" (hand) and the bottom part has elements that suggest a person in a subordinate position
- Notice that it has 8 strokes and practice writing it following the correct stroke order
- Associate the character with its two main meanings: "subordinate" (as in "隶属") and "official script" (as in "隶书")
- Remember the cultural significance of "隶书" as an important style of Chinese calligraphy
- Use the pronunciation "lì" (Fourth tone) to help link the character with its sound