Definitions

used in 茉莉[mò lì]; used in the transliteration of female names

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "莉" is structured with the grass radical (艹) at the top, clearly signaling its botanical association, combined with the phonetic component "利" below, which primarily suggests its sound. Historically, this character was not among the most common in classical texts but appeared in specific contexts to denote certain fragrant plants or herbs. Its meaning has consistently remained within the realm of flora, though its application has become more precise over time, now almost exclusively referring to jasmine, as seen in the common word "茉莉". The traditional form of the character is identical to its simplified version, as it was not altered by structural simplification processes, retaining its original compositional logic linking plant life with its indicative sound.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的名字叫

Wǒ de míngzi jiào Lìli.

My name is Lily.

这朵茉花很香。

Zhè duǒ mòlihuā hěn xiāng.

This jasmine flower is very fragrant.

喜欢喝茉花茶。

Lìli xǐhuan hē mòlihuā chá.

Lily likes to drink jasmine tea.

她的中文名字叫王

Tā de Zhōngwén míngzi jiào Wáng Lì.

Her Chinese name is Wang Li.

花的香气充满了房间。

Mòlihuā de xiāngqì chōngmǎn le fángjiān.

The fragrance of jasmine filled the room.

这种洗发水含有茉精华。

Zhè zhǒng xǐfàshuǐ hányǒu mòli jīnghuá.

This shampoo contains jasmine extract.

香的笑容总是很温暖。

Lìxiāng de xiàoróng zǒng shì hěn wēnnuǎn.

Lixiang's smile is always very warm.

晚风送来了淡淡的香。

Wǎn fēng sòng lái le dàndàn de lì xiāng.

The evening breeze carried a faint scent of jasmine.