Meanings of 勒
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About 勒
Podcast: 勒
Podcast: 勒
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AI Study Notes for 勒
勒 (lè) vs 缚 (fù) — use 勒 when referring to tightening or compelling, while 缚 specifically means to bind or tie up.
Imagine a 'leather strap' (the '勒' sounds like 'le' in leather) that you use to tighten something down. Picture yourself pulling the strap until it's snug, illustrating the meaning of binding or forcing tightly.
Learners often confuse 勒 with similar characters that also imply force or binding, such as 束 (shù) which means to bind or tie up. This character is generally used in more formal contexts, especially in literature, so be mindful of the register when using it.
While 勒 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to Level 4 vocabulary related to actions and commands. Students should focus on understanding its various meanings and how it can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of binding or commanding can relate to historical practices in governance and military, where leaders would 'tighten' control over their subjects or troops.
A common mistake is using 勒 interchangeably with 绑 (bǎng), which specifically means 'to tie'. For example, saying '勒东西' (lè dōngxī) to mean 'to tie something' is incorrect; the correct term is '绑东西' (bǎng dōngxī).
Pronunciation of 勒
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Etymology of 勒
Phonosemantic compound. 力 represents the meaning and 革 represents the sound.
strength
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 勒
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Write 勒
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Practice writing 勒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 勒
勒 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 12 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.
Complete the Sentence
埃____里的归来可以驱散一些抑郁的情绪。
Ellery's return will help to chase away some of the gloom.
Example Sentences for 勒 (10)
Cultural Notes for 勒
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of binding or commanding can relate to historical practices in governance and military, where leaders would 'tighten' control over their subjects or troops.
Word Family of 勒
Compound Meaning
What does 勒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 勒
Common phrases include 勒紧 (lè jǐn), meaning 'to tighten', and 勒马 (lè mǎ), referring to 'reining in a horse'.