理 (lǐ) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 理 (lǐ) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 理 (lǐ) means "Reason; Logic". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 11 strokes and the radical 王.

Q: How do you write 理 stroke by stroke?

理 has 11 strokes. The radical is 王. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 理 and 玲?

理 (lǐ) and 玲 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 理?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 王. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 理?

Common words containing 理 include: 理由 (lǐ yóu) — Reason; Excuse; 经理 (jīng lǐ) — Manager; 理想 (lǐ xiǎng) — Ideal; Dream.

How to Write 理

The character 理 (lǐ) is written with 11 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 王 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

理 is pronounced lǐ in Mandarin Chinese. It means Reason; Logic.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 理 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 理

理由 lǐ yóu

Reason; Excuse

经理 jīng lǐ

Manager

理想 lǐ xiǎng

Ideal; Dream

Example Sentences

这是一个理由。

zhè shì yí gè lǐ yóu

This is a reason.

经理在办公室。

jīng lǐ zài bàn gōng shì

The manager is in the office.

我的理想是老师。

wǒ de lǐ xiǎng shì lǎo shī

My ideal is to be a teacher.

Similar Characters

玲 líng

玳 dài

玷 diàn

Practice Writing 理 (lǐ)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 理 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 理

What does 理 (lǐ) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 理 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 理 and 玲?

What mistakes do learners make writing 理?

What common words use 理?

How to Write 理 (lǐ)