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March 24, 2026
赉(賚)lài(lai4)
The character 赉 (lài) means to bestow or confer something, typically indicating a generous or formal act of giving. It is often used in contexts involving gifts, honors, or titles that are conferred upon individuals, suggesting a sense of recognition and respect.
Strokes11Radical贝
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of bestowing titles or honors is significant, often tied to Confucian values of respect and recognition for one's achievements. This concept is reflected in ceremonies where titles are conferred upon scholars or officials.
Memory Tip
Imagine a royal figure (the shape of 赉) bestowing a golden crown upon a worthy subject. The left side resembles a hand reaching out to give, while the right side can remind you of a person receiving honor, helping you remember both the meaning of bestowing and the pronunciation 'lài'.
Meanings of 赉
lài(lai4)
1to bestow, to confer; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 赉
赉Simplified
賚Traditional
11Strokes
贝Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 赉
Podcast: 赉
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AI Study Notes for 赉
Usage Notes
赉 is a formal term often used in written texts, especially in legal or ceremonial contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 来 (lái), which means 'to come'. Remember to use 赉 in contexts of formal conferral.
HSK Study Tips
Though 赉 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of formal Chinese texts. Focus on recognizing it alongside related terms like 赠 (zèng, to gift) and 授 (shòu, to confer), which share similar meanings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 赉 with 来 (lái) due to their similar sounds and forms. Remember that 赉 specifically relates to the act of bestowing, while 来 means 'to come'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 赉
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Etymology of 赉
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
赉 = 贝 + 来. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 赉
IDS Structure⿱来贝
赉Full Character
=
来lai2
top
贝Bei4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 赉?
How to say to bestow, to confer; surname in Chinese
“to bestow, to confer; surname” in Chinese is赉lài
The character 赉 (lài) means to bestow or confer something, typically indicating a generous or formal act of giving. It is often used in contexts involving gifts, honors, or titles that are conferred upon individuals, suggesting a sense of recognition and respect.
When to use 赉
赉 is a formal term often used in written texts, especially in legal or ceremonial contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 来 (lái), which means 'to come'. Remember to use 赉 in contexts of formal conferral.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 赉 with 来 (lái) due to their similar sounds and forms. Remember that 赉 specifically relates to the act of bestowing, while 来 means 'to come'.
Write 赉
赉
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Word Family of 赉
Words Containing This Character4
赉làito bestow賚
镇赉县Zhenlai county in Baicheng 白城, Jilin鎮賚縣
扎赉特旗Jalaid banner, Mongolian Zhalaid khoshuu, in Hinggan league 興安盟|兴安盟[Xīng'ānméng], east Inner Mongolia扎賚特旗
镇赉Zhenlai county in Baicheng 白城, Jilin鎮賚
Exercise 1 of 3
Words with 赉
What does 镇赉县 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 赉
赉 is typically used in formal contexts, often in ceremonies or legal documents where honors, gifts, or titles are conferred.
No, 赉 is more commonly found in written language and formal discussions rather than in everyday spoken Chinese.
It is pronounced as 'lài' with a falling tone, similar to the English word 'lie' but with a sharper ending.
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