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岂有此理 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
岂有此理qǐyǒucǐlǐhow can this be so? (idiom); preposterousHSK 7, i, Very Hard
岂有此理qǐyǒucǐlǐridiculousHSK 7, i, Very Hard
岂有此理qǐyǒucǐlǐabsurdHSK 7, i, Very Hard
qǐyǒucǐlǐ(qi3you3ci3li3) T3
  1. 1how can this be so? (idiom); preposterous
  2. 2ridiculous
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March 24, 2026
岂有此理(豈有此理)qǐyǒucǐlǐ(qi3you3ci3li3)

岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ) is an idiomatic expression that conveys disbelief or incredulity, often in response to something perceived as unreasonable or absurd. It is commonly used in conversations when someone encounters a situation or statement that defies logic or common sense.

Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the value placed on logic and rationality in Chinese culture, where absurdity in reasoning is often met with strong reactions. It can also highlight the importance of maintaining social harmony by questioning illogical behavior in a public context.

Memory Tip

Visualize a person dramatically throwing their hands up in the air, exclaiming 'How can this be so?!' while surrounded by chaotic nonsense. The character 岂 (qǐ) looks like a person questioning the situation, 有 (yǒu) means 'to have,' and 此理 (cǐ lǐ) refers to 'this logic.' Together, they create a vivid image of questioning absurdity.

Meanings of 岂有此理

qǐyǒucǐlǐ(qi3you3ci3li3)
1how can this be so? (idiom); preposterous
2ridiculous
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About 岂有此理

岂有此理Simplified
豈有此理Traditional
Strokes
Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#1Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 岂有此理

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Podcast: 岂有此理

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AI Study Notes for 岂有此理

Memory Mnemonic

Visualize a person dramatically throwing their hands up in the air, exclaiming 'How can this be so?!' while surrounded by chaotic nonsense. The character 岂 (qǐ) looks like a person questioning the situation, 有 (yǒu) means 'to have,' and 此理 (cǐ lǐ) refers to 'this logic.' Together, they create a vivid image of questioning absurdity.

Usage Notes

This expression is typically used in informal contexts but can be adapted for more formal discussions when expressing disbelief. A common mistake is to use it in a serious situation where a more neutral phrase would be appropriate. Make sure to use the correct tone for emphasis: the third tone in '岂' and '理' can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 level idiom, it connects well with other idiomatic expressions that denote disbelief or contradiction. Students should focus on understanding the context in which to use this phrase and practice it in dialogues or writing to enhance fluency.

Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the value placed on logic and rationality in Chinese culture, where absurdity in reasoning is often met with strong reactions. It can also highlight the importance of maintaining social harmony by questioning illogical behavior in a public context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misplace the tones, saying 'qi4 you3 ci3 li3' instead of the correct 'qi3 you3 ci3 li3.' Additionally, some may use it in overly serious contexts, where a lighter expression would be more fitting.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 岂有此理

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Idiom Spotlight: 岂有此理

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:how can this be so

Component Characters

kǎihow? (emphatic question)
6 strokes
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yǒuto have
HSK 16 strokes
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this
HSK 46 strokes
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texture
HSK 611 strokes
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Write 岂有此理

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

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Grammar Patterns of 岂有此理

岂有此理 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. 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 1

Complete the Sentence

“他们想停掉我那些日子的救济金。”——“____!”

"They wanted to stop my dole money for those days." — "Charming!"

Example Sentences for 岂有此理 (1)

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1
“他们想停掉我那些日子的救济金。”——“岂有此理!”

“ “ tā mén xiǎng tíng diào wǒ nà xiē rì zǐ de jiù jì。”——“ jīn 。”——“ qǐ yǒu!”

"They wanted to stop my dole money for those days." — "Charming!"

Cultural Notes for 岂有此理

🏮Cultural insight

This idiom reflects the value placed on logic and rationality in Chinese culture, where absurdity in reasoning is often met with strong reactions. It can also highlight the importance of maintaining social harmony by questioning illogical behavior in a public context.

Frequently Asked Questions about 岂有此理

Use 岂有此理 when you want to express disbelief or ridicule towards an absurd statement or situation.