How to Write 裂 (liè) — Meaning “To crack; to split; to rip”

Imagine a piece of clothing (衣) being pulled apart by two hands into two separate pieces — the top part 列 looks like two sections being separated. This visual helps you remember liè means to crack or split.

Write the top part 列 first (left side 歹, then right side 刂), then the bottom 衣. A common mistake is making the bottom too narrow — the 衣 component should be wide enough to support the top. Also note that 衣 has a long left stroke and a right stroke that spread out.

The top part is the key difference. 裂 has 列 (歹 + 刂) on top, meaning 'split'. 衮 has 公 (eight + private) on top, referring to a ceremonial robe. 衰 has a top that looks like a tilted square or 口, meaning 'decline'. Their meanings and uses are completely different.

裂 commonly appears in words for physical cracks like 裂缝 (liè fèng, crack in a surface) and 破裂 (pò liè, rupture of glass or relationships). It can also describe tearing actions, such as 撕裂 (sī liè, to rip something apart).

Common words containing 裂 include: 裂缝 (liè fèng) — Crack; crevice; fissure; 破裂 (pò liè) — to rupture / to crack; 撕裂 (sī liè) — to lacerate; to tear; to rend.