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March 24, 2026
肋lē(le1)
The character 肋 (lē) refers to the ribs, which are the curved bones that form the ribcage in the human body. It can be used in medical contexts or when discussing anatomy, as well as in idiomatic expressions related to protection or support.
Strokes6Radical⺼Frequency#10295DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese medicine, the health of the ribs is considered important for protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs, reflecting a holistic view of body wellness. The concept of rib protection is often linked to traditional beliefs about maintaining balance within the body.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 肋 as a skeleton with ribs. The left side (肉) represents flesh, while the right side (可) is like a ribcage enclosing something precious, indicating protection. Imagine a ribcage that 'lends' strength to the body, which can help you remember its pronunciation 'lē'.
Meanings of 肋
lē(le1)
primary
1ribs; chest
2rib
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 肋
肋Simplified
6Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 肋
Podcast: 肋
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AI Study Notes for 肋
Quick Contrast
肋 (lē) vs 骨 (gǔ) — use 肋 specifically for ribs, while 骨 refers to bones in general.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 肋 as a skeleton with ribs. The left side (肉) represents flesh, while the right side (可) is like a ribcage enclosing something precious, indicating protection. Imagine a ribcage that 'lends' strength to the body, which can help you remember its pronunciation 'lē'.
Usage Notes
This word is used primarily in medical or biological contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with the character for 'bone' (骨), which specifically refers to bones in general. Remember to use the correct tone (lē) to avoid confusion with other characters.
HSK Study Tips
While 肋 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other body-related terms that may be encountered at higher levels. Focus on recognizing this character in contexts discussing health or anatomy, which can help build your medical vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese medicine, the health of the ribs is considered important for protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs, reflecting a holistic view of body wellness. The concept of rib protection is often linked to traditional beliefs about maintaining balance within the body.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肋 (ribs) with 胸 (chest). For example, saying '我有肋痛' to mean 'I have chest pain' is incorrect; it should be '我有胸痛'. Be careful with the context in which you use it.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肋
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Grammar Patterns of 肋
肋 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
霍顿的软____在于他不懂得放权。
Horton's Achilles heel was that he could not delegate.
Example Sentences for 肋 (10)
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1
霍顿的软肋在于他不懂得放权。
huò dùn de ruǎn lèi zài yú tā bù dǒng dé fàng quán。
Horton's Achilles heel was that he could not delegate.
The goalkeeper was stretchered off just before half-time with a rib injury.
3
他的肋骨受了损伤，但除此之外一切都还好。
tā de lèi gǔ shòu le sǔn shāng， ， dàn chú cǐ zhī wài yī qiē dū huán。
His ribs were damaged, but other than that he's in good nick.
4
他从马背上摔下来时伤到了肋骨。
tā cóng mǎ bèi shàng shuāi xià lái shí shāng dào le lèi gǔ。
He injured his ribs in a tumble from his horse.
5
用一块便宜点的肉，比如肋排肉。
yòng yī kuài biàn yí diǎn de ròu， ， bǐ rú lèi pái。
Use a cheap cut such as spare rib chops.
6
他在激烈的肉搏战中被打断了两根肋骨。
tā zài jī liè de ròu bó zhàn zhōng bèi dǎ duàn le liǎng gēn lèi gǔ。
He suffered two broken ribs in a fierce hand-to-hand battle.
7
她脸上疼得发麻,肋间隐隐作痛.
tā liǎn shàng téng dé fā má, , lèi jiān yǐn yǐn zuò.
Her face was a dull pain and her side ached.
8
他用棍子碰了碰牛的肋部。
tā yòng gùn zǐ pèng le pèng niú de lèi bù。
He touched the cow's side with his stick.
9
她用胳膊肘顶他的肋部。
tā yòng gē bó zhǒu dǐng tā de lèi bù。
She poked him in the ribs with her elbow.
10
她那件胸衣快要把她的肋骨勒断了.
tā nà jiàn xiōng yī kuài yào bǎ tā de lèi gǔ lè duàn le.
Her stays were cutting her ribs in two.
Cultural Notes for 肋
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese medicine, the health of the ribs is considered important for protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs, reflecting a holistic view of body wellness. The concept of rib protection is often linked to traditional beliefs about maintaining balance within the body.
Word Family of 肋
Words Containing This Character6
肋骨rib
肋lērib
软肋rib cartilage軟肋
鸡肋chicken ribs雞肋
两肋插刀lit. knifes piercing both sides (idiom)兩肋插刀
肋间肌intercostal muscle (between ribs)肋間肌
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 肋骨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 肋
It is pronounced as 'lē' with a high tone.
Yes, it can be used, but it is more common in medical or anatomical discussions.
Yes, there are expressions that relate to protection or support, often using rib imagery.
