How to Write 列 (liè) — Meaning “to list”

Imagine the left part 歹 as a row of sticks, and the right part 刂 as a knife cutting them into a straight line. This helps you picture the character meaning 'to list' or 'arrange' items neatly.

Stroke order: first write the left component 歹 (horizontal, diagonal, horizontal hook, dot), then the right radical 刂 (vertical, vertical hook). A common mistake is making the left side too wide, so keep it narrow to balance with the knife on the right.

All three have the knife radical 刂, but 列 has 歹 (a row of bones) and means 'to list,' while 刈 uses 乂 (a cross) and means 'to mow,' and 刊 uses 干 (a pole) and means 'to publish.' The different left parts give each character a distinct meaning and usage.

列 appears in common words like 列车 (train), 排列 (to arrange), and 列表 (list). It is used to describe putting things in order, for example, making a shopping list or lining up items in a row. You might also see it in train announcements or mathematics for sequences.

Common words containing 列 include: 列车 (liè chē) — train; 排列 (pái liè) — to arrange or sequence; 列表 (liè biǎo) — list.