How to Write 隶 (lì) — Meaning “subordinate; clerical script”

Think of the character as a person (like the top part) bowing down with arms stretched forward (the bottom part), showing submission. You can imagine a "slave" (奴隶) standing with hands together in front of a master, which matches the shape and meaning.

The character has 8 strokes: start with a horizontal stroke on top, then a sweeping hook (like a "J" shape), followed by two vertical strokes inside, and finally a long horizontal with a rising flick at the end. A common mistake is making the bottom part too wide or forgetting the small left-falling stroke near the middle.

隶书 (lì shū) refers to clerical script, an ancient calligraphy style used from the Han dynasty, still seen in seals and art. 隶属 (lì shǔ) means "to be subordinate to," used in official or organizational contexts. 奴隶 (nú lì) means "slave" and appears in historical or sociological discussions.

隶 is not a daily-life character for most learners, but it appears in historical texts, art discussions, and formal organizational language. You may see it in company names or government documents showing subordination, like 隶属于公司 (affiliated with the company). Its calligraphy form 隶书 is also a popular style for decorative purposes and traditional ceremonies.

Common words containing 隶 include: 隶书 (lì shū) — clerical script (an ancient style of Chinese calligraphy); 隶属 (lì shǔ) — to be subordinate to; to belong to; 奴隶 (nú lì) — slave.