Learn a Chinese Character - 栗

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木 (tree radical)

Stroke Count: 10

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Chestnut; Chinese chestnut; shiver; tremble; fear; dread; brown (color); a type of tree; nut

4. Common Words

• 栗子 (lìzi) - chestnut
• 栗色 (lìsè) - maroon; chestnut brown
• 战栗 (zhànlì) - to tremble; to shiver
• 栗树 (lìshù) - chestnut tree
• 栗米 (lìmǐ) - millet; corn
• 栗壳 (lìké) - chestnut shell
• 栗鼠 (lìshǔ) - chipmunk; squirrel
• 栗木 (lìmù) - chestnut wood

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "栗" has two main meanings: "chestnut" and "to tremble/shiver". It is commonly used as a noun or part of compound words.

Grammar Patterns:

• 作为名词: 栗子 (chestnut), 栗树 (chestnut tree), 栗色 (maroon)
• 作为动词性语素: 战栗 (to tremble), 栗栗危惧 (to be filled with fear)
• 四字成语: 栗栗自危 (to live in constant fear), 栗栗不安 (to be trembling with anxiety)
• 常用搭配: 炒栗子 (roasted chestnuts), 板栗 (Chinese chestnut), 栗米羹 (millet soup)
• Note: When referring to "trembling" or "fear", "栗" is almost always used in compound words rather than independently.

6. Cultural Background

The character "栗" has significant cultural importance in Chinese history and cuisine, primarily related to the chestnut.

Chestnuts have been an important food source in China for thousands of years. They are mentioned in ancient Chinese texts, including the Classic of Poetry (《诗经》), which dates back to the 11th to 7th centuries BCE.

In traditional Chinese medicine, chestnuts are believed to have health benefits, particularly for the kidneys and digestive system. They are often used in herbal remedies and tonics.

The compound word "战栗" (zhànlì), meaning "to tremble", reflects the cultural association of chestnuts with shivering or trembling, possibly due to the prickly outer covering of the chestnut or its round shape.

Chestnuts continue to be a popular food in China today, often roasted and sold as street food during the winter months. They are also used in various Chinese dishes, desserts, and snacks.

The character "栗" also appears in the names of places and people in China, highlighting its cultural significance.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "栗" (lì) has 10 strokes and belongs to the 木 (tree) radical.

To remember the character:

• Break it down into its components: 木 (tree) + 西 (west) + 水 (water). You can imagine a chestnut tree growing in the west with water nearby.
• Notice that it has 10 strokes and practice writing it following the correct stroke order
• Associate the character with its two main meanings: "chestnut" (as in "栗子") and "to tremble" (as in "战栗")
• Remember that chestnuts are a popular winter food in China, often sold as roasted street food
• Use the pronunciation "lì" (Fourth tone) to help link the character with its sound