Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
典礼 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
典礼diǎnlǐcelebrationHSK 6, n, rank #4391, Hard
典礼diǎnlǐceremonyHSK 6, n, rank #4391, Hard
diǎnlǐ(dian3li3) T3
  1. 1celebration
  2. 2ceremony
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
典礼(典禮)diǎnlǐ(dian3li3)

典礼 (diǎnlǐ) refers to a formal ceremony or celebration, often associated with significant events such as graduations, weddings, or award presentations. It emphasizes the ceremonial aspect, highlighting tradition and formality in various cultural contexts.

Frequency#4391DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, 典礼 is often a key part of traditional events like the Spring Festival, where formal ceremonies are held to honor ancestors and celebrate family reunions. These ceremonies reflect the importance of social hierarchy and respect in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Think of 典礼 as a 'dancing in the light' ceremony—'典' (diǎn) resembles a podium where the event takes place, and '礼' (lǐ) connects to the act of giving respect or gifts during the occasion. Imagine a grand ceremony where everyone gathers to celebrate and honor achievements.

Meanings of 典礼

diǎnlǐ(dian3li3)
1celebration
2ceremony
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 典礼

典礼Simplified
典禮Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4391Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 典礼

JasonAmy

Podcast: 典礼

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 典礼

Quick Contrast

典礼 (diǎnlǐ) vs 仪式 (yíshì) — use 典礼 for formal ceremonies with a celebratory nature, while 仪式 refers more broadly to rituals or ceremonies that may not be celebratory.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 典礼 as a 'dancing in the light' ceremony—'典' (diǎn) resembles a podium where the event takes place, and '礼' (lǐ) connects to the act of giving respect or gifts during the occasion. Imagine a grand ceremony where everyone gathers to celebrate and honor achievements.

Usage Notes

When using 典礼, it's important to ensure that the context is formal, as it doesn't fit casual celebrations. Common collocations include 毕业典礼 (graduation ceremony) and 婚礼 (wedding ceremony). Avoid using it for informal gatherings; instead, use 聚会 (jùhuì).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 典礼 connects with other vocabulary related to celebrations and formalities, such as 仪式 (yíshì, ceremony) and 节日 (jiérì, festival). Students should focus on its usage in formal contexts and become familiar with related terms to enhance their understanding.

Cultural Note

In China, 典礼 is often a key part of traditional events like the Spring Festival, where formal ceremonies are held to honor ancestors and celebrate family reunions. These ceremonies reflect the importance of social hierarchy and respect in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 典礼 with 聚会 (jùhuì), thinking they can use them interchangeably. For example, saying '我参加一个典礼' when meaning a casual party is incorrect; it should be '我参加一个聚会'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 典礼

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 典礼 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

diǎncanon
HSK 58 strokes
View full entry
gift
HSK 55 strokes
View full entry

Write 典礼

Practice writing 典礼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 典礼

典礼 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 2 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

在我弟弟的高中毕业____上,学生们朗诵了一首诗。

At my brother's high school graduation the students recited a poem.

Example Sentences for 典礼 (5)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在我弟弟的高中毕业典礼上,学生们朗诵了一首诗。

zài wǒ dì dì de gāo zhōng bì yè diǎn lǐ shàng, , xué shēng mén lǎng sòng le yī shǒu。

At my brother's high school graduation the students recited a poem.
2
典礼官在检阅队伍的前面骑马行进.

diǎn lǐ guān zài jiǎn yuè duì wǔ de qián miàn qí mǎ háng jìn.

The marshal rode at the head of the parade.
3
大奖赛由训练有素的典礼官协调指挥。

dà jiǎng sài yóu xùn liàn yǒu sù de diǎn lǐ guān xié tiáo zhǐ huī。

The grand prix is controlled by well-trained marshals.
4
离校之前,我还在1914年6月16日参加了康乃尔的第47届毕业典礼.

lí xiào zhī qián, , wǒ huán1914 zài6 191416 nián 6 yuè 16 rì cān jiā le kāng47 nǎi ěr de dì 47.

Before leaving I attended the 47 th commencement of Cornell on June 16,
5
然后就去看毕业典礼到底是啥意思啊.

rán hòu jiù qù kàn bì yè diǎn lǐ dào dǐ shì shá yì sī ā.

Then I went to look up what commencement meant.

Cultural Notes for 典礼

🏮Cultural insight

In China, 典礼 is often a key part of traditional events like the Spring Festival, where formal ceremonies are held to honor ancestors and celebrate family reunions. These ceremonies reflect the importance of social hierarchy and respect in Chinese culture.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, ceremonies may be more casual and personal, focusing on individual achievements rather than the collective formality often emphasized in Chinese 典礼.

Frequently Asked Questions about 典礼

典礼 can refer to any formal ceremony such as graduation, weddings, or award ceremonies.