unknown, 10 strokes, radical 犭, rank #47088, Very Hard
狸
lí
fox-like animal
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 犭, rank #47088, Very Hard
lí(li2) T2
1fox
2raccoon dog
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
狸lí(li2)
The character 狸 (lí) refers to a raccoon dog or a fox-like animal, often associated with cunning and cleverness in Chinese literature and folklore. This term is commonly used in discussions about wildlife and nature, especially in the context of animal behavior or habitats.
Strokes10Radical犭Frequency#47088DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, animals like the raccoon dog are often featured in folklore and stories that highlight their cunning nature. They are sometimes seen as symbols of adaptability and survival in urban environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sly raccoon wearing a mask, symbolizing its cleverness, which connects to the character 狸. The left side of the character represents a 'dog' radical (犭), while the right side suggests its fox-like appearance. Picture this crafty creature sneaking around, making the connection to its name memorable.
Meanings of 狸
lí(li2)
1fox
2raccoon dog
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 狸
狸Simplified
10Strokes
犭Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 狸
Podcast: 狸
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AI Study Notes for 狸
Quick Contrast
狸 (lí) vs 狐 (hú) — use 狸 for raccoon dogs, while 狐 specifically refers to foxes.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 狸 with similar animals like 狐 (hú, fox) and 狼 (láng, wolf). This term is more informal and used in specific contexts relating to animal discussions, so be cautious about using it in formal writing. Remember that the correct tone is crucial, as slipping from the second tone can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 狸 is not an HSK word, it can be linked to animals vocabulary typically introduced at HSK Level 1 and 2. Focus on practicing the pronunciation and understanding its usage in sentences about wildlife to reinforce your learning.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 狸 with 狐 (fox), as both refer to similar animals; for example, saying '我看到了一只狸' when referring to a fox is incorrect—use '狐' instead. Additionally, mispronouncing the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狸
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Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 里 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貍.
1The meaning half犭 carries the sense.
2The sound half里 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaydog
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 狸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 狸?
Decomposition of 狸
IDS Structure⿰犭里
狸Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
里li3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 狸?
How to say fox in Chinese
“fox” in Chinese is狸lí
The character 狸 (lí) refers to a raccoon dog or a fox-like animal, often associated with cunning and cleverness in Chinese literature and folklore. This term is commonly used in discussions about wildlife and nature, especially in the context of animal behavior or habitats.
When to use 狸
Learners often confuse 狸 with similar animals like 狐 (hú, fox) and 狼 (láng, wolf). This term is more informal and used in specific contexts relating to animal discussions, so be cautious about using it in formal writing. Remember that the correct tone is crucial, as slipping from the second tone can change its meaning.
狸 or something close to it
狸 (lí) vs 狐 (hú) — use 狸 for raccoon dogs, while 狐 specifically refers to foxes.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is confusing 狸 with 狐 (fox), as both refer to similar animals; for example, saying '我看到了一只狸' when referring to a fox is incorrect—use '狐' instead. Additionally, mispronouncing the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 狸
狸
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Practice writing 狸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 狸
狸 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
画面中一只狐____正被一群猎狗撕咬得肠子外流。
It shows a fox being disembowelled by a pack of hounds.
