戾
How to Say
How to Write
Meaning: to bend
💡 A dog (犬) under a door (户) twists violently—think 'bend' to 'violent'.
Compounds
Character Story & Explanation
戾 (lì) originally depicted a dog under a door, suggesting bending or twisting. It signifies perversion, cruelty, or violence—deviations from the straight path. In ancient philosophy, it contrasts with harmony (和), embodying the disruptive force that must be corrected to restore cosmic balance.
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
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