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March 24, 2026
咧liē(lie1)
The character 咧 (liē) primarily means to grimace or grin, often used to describe a facial expression where the corners of the mouth are drawn back. It can also function as a modal particle expressing exclamation or surprise in informal speech, adding an emotional tone to a statement.
Strokes9Radical口Frequency#8868DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, facial expressions play a significant role in non-verbal communication, and a grin can signify friendliness or a light-hearted attitude, particularly in social settings. The usage of 咧 reflects this cultural emphasis on expressing emotions visually.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a big grin on their face, showing their teeth, making them look a bit silly. The character 咧 resembles a mouth opening wide to show off that grin, with the '口' radical at its base representing the mouth. This connection helps you remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 咧
liē(lie1)
primary
1to grimace, to grin
2to draw back the corners of one's mouth
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 咧
咧Simplified
9Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 咧
Podcast: 咧
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AI Study Notes for 咧
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with a big grin on their face, showing their teeth, making them look a bit silly. The character 咧 resembles a mouth opening wide to show off that grin, with the '口' radical at its base representing the mouth. This connection helps you remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
咧 is often used in informal contexts and can convey a sense of playfulness or surprise. Be cautious not to confuse it with formal expressions; it’s primarily colloquial. For instance, using it in a serious conversation may come off as inappropriate.
HSK Study Tips
Since 咧 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, focus on its usage in everyday conversations. It connects well with informal expressions of emotion, so practicing with native speakers can enhance your understanding of its nuances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, facial expressions play a significant role in non-verbal communication, and a grin can signify friendliness or a light-hearted attitude, particularly in social settings. The usage of 咧 reflects this cultural emphasis on expressing emotions visually.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 咧 in formal contexts, believing it to be universally applicable. For example, saying '咧' in a business meeting would be inappropriate; rather, use more formal expressions to convey your feelings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 咧
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Grammar Patterns of 咧
咧 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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
笑____咧的夫妻把东西装上他们的红色跑车后疾驰而去。
The giggling couple loaded up their red sports car and drove off.
Example Sentences for 咧 (10)
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1
笑咧咧的夫妻把东西装上他们的红色跑车后疾驰而去。
xiào liě liě de fū qī bǎ dōng xī zhuāng shàng tā mén de hóng sè pǎo chē hòu jí chí ér qù。
The giggling couple loaded up their red sports car and drove off.
2
那个军官咧开嘴，露出洁白整齐的牙齿。
nà gè jūn guān liě kāi zuǐ， ， lòu chū jié bái zhěng qí de yá。
The officer's mouth opened, showing white, even teeth.
3
老咧咧 什么 ?
lǎo liě liě shí?
Why do you always cry?
4
狗咬了他的脚腕子，疼得他龇牙咧嘴。
gǒu yǎo le tā de jiǎo wàn zǐ， ， téng dé tā zī yá liě。
He winced as the dog nipped his ankle.
5
那个男孩子高兴得咧着嘴笑.
nà gè nán hái zǐ gāo xīng dé liě zháo zuǐ xiào.
The boy grinned with delight.
6
他看见我站在那里，傻乎乎地咧着嘴朝他笑。
tā kàn jiàn wǒ zhàn zài nà lǐ， ， shǎ hū hū dì liě zháo zuǐ zhāo tā。
He saw me standing there, grinning foolishly at him.
7
博比望着她腼腆地咧嘴一笑。
bó bǐ wàng zháo tā miǎn tiǎn dì liě zuǐ yī xiào。
Bobby looked at her with a sheepish grin.
8
他总是这样傻傻地咧嘴笑。
tā zǒng shì zhè yàng shǎ shǎ dì liě zuǐ xiào。
He always had this inane grin.
9
波莉向她不自然地咧嘴一笑。
bō lì xiàng tā bù zì rán dì liě zuǐ yī xiào。
Polly gave her a crooked grin.
10
他不好意思地咧嘴一笑。
tā bù hǎo yì sī dì liě zuǐ yī xiào。
He grinned sheepishly.
Cultural Notes for 咧
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, facial expressions play a significant role in non-verbal communication, and a grin can signify friendliness or a light-hearted attitude, particularly in social settings. The usage of 咧 reflects this cultural emphasis on expressing emotions visually.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While grinning is often seen as friendly in both cultures, in Western contexts, it can be used in more serious situations, whereas in Chinese culture, it is typically reserved for casual interactions.
Word Family of 咧
Words Containing This Character6
咧liēmodal particle expressing exclamation
大大咧咧dàdaliēliēcarefree
龇牙咧嘴to grimace (in pain)齜牙咧嘴
骂骂咧咧to swear while talking罵罵咧咧
咧咧to whimper
呲牙咧嘴to grimace (in pain)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 咧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 咧
You can say '他咧咧地笑了', meaning 'He grinned widely'. This shows the informal usage of the word.
No, 咧 is mainly used in spoken language and informal contexts, so avoid it in formal writing.
Expressions like '咧嘴笑' (grinning) or '咧咧' (to grimace) are common and illustrate its usage.
