Chinese Character: 烈
1. Character Basics
Radical: 灬 (huǒ, fire radical)
Stroke Count: 10
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: liè (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Intense; fierce; strong; violent; fiery; burning; severe; strict; earnest; passionate; hot-tempered; intense emotion; powerful; vigorous; sharp; acute; extreme; intense heat; blazing
4. Common Words
- 烈火 (lièhuǒ) - raging fire; blaze
- 热烈 (rèliè) - warm; enthusiastic; fervent
- 强烈 (qiángliè) - strong; intense; powerful
- 激烈 (jīliè) - intense; fierce; violent
- 烈日 (lièrì) - scorching sun; blazing sun
- 烈性 (lièxìng) - strong character; fiery temperament; high concentration
- 烈士 (lièshì) - martyr; hero
- 刚烈 (gāngliè) - firm and unyielding; staunch
5. Grammar & Usage
"烈" is often used as an adjective to describe something intense, strong, or fierce.
Common structures include "烈+名词" (intense + noun), "形容词+烈" (adjective + intense), and compound words like "热烈" (enthusiastic) and "强烈" (strong).
It can also be used in abstract contexts to describe emotions, reactions, or characteristics, such as "烈性" (fiery temperament) and "刚烈" (firm and unyielding).
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of "烈" (intensity) has various cultural connotations. It is often associated with strong emotions, passionate commitment, and intense energy.
The character "烈" with the fire radical (灬) at the bottom reflects its connection to fire and heat, symbolizing intensity and passion in Chinese philosophy.
Throughout Chinese history, the term "烈士" (martyr) has been used to honor those who died for a noble cause, demonstrating the cultural value placed on intense commitment to principles.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 他们以热烈的掌声欢迎贵宾。
Pinyin: Tāmen yǐ rèliè de zhǎngshēng huānyíng guìbīn.
English: They welcomed the distinguished guests with warm applause.
8. Memory Tips
The character "烈" consists of 列 (liè, to arrange) on top and 灬 (fire radical) below.
You can remember it as "arranged fire" or visualize intense flames arranged in a powerful way, which relates to the meaning of being intense or fierce.
The fire radical at the bottom is a key component to remember, as it connects to the concept of heat, intensity, and passion.