noun
Common
li
lee
Li (noun) means a traditional Chinese unit of distance, now standardized at about half a kilometer. Example: “The traveller said the village was only about ten li from the river crossing.”
noun
1
A traditional Chinese unit of distance, now standardized at about half a kilometer.
"It was a whole day's journey from I-ch'eng to Chü-wo which, in turn, is about 60 li east of Chiang Chou — one of the most important cities in southern Shansi and a center for curio-dealers."
— Chi Li, Archaeological Survey of the Fêng River Valley, Southern Shansi, China (1927)
"The traveller said the village was only about ten li from the river crossing."
"In the old text, the journey to the capital is measured as three hundred li."
"The old milestones marked the distance in li rather than miles."
2
(in Confucian thought) Proper ritual, etiquette, and behavior expected in social and ceremonial life.
"Students of ancient philosophy learn how li guided behaviour at weddings and funerals."
"A person who practised li would greet elders with careful respect and proper manners."
"Confucius taught that li was essential to maintaining social harmony."
How to use li
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a traditional Chinese distance measurement, or the Confucian idea of correct, respectful conduct.
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Word forms
- Plural
- lis
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The traveller said the village was only about ten _____ from the river crossing.
Etymology
From Chinese Mandarin li, romanizing two distinct native words — one for the unit of distance, another the philosophical term for ritual propriety.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “li” mean?
The word “li” means a traditional Chinese unit of distance, now standardized at about half a kilometer. In plain terms, either a traditional Chinese distance measurement, or the Confucian idea of correct, respectful conduct.
How do you pronounce “li”?
“Li” is pronounced lee (/liː/ in IPA).
How do you use “li” in a sentence?
Here is “li” used in a sentence: “The old milestones marked the distance in li rather than miles.”
What part of speech is “li”?
“Li” is a noun.
Where does the word “li” come from?
The word “li” comes from Chinese. From Chinese Mandarin li, romanizing two distinct native words — one for the unit of distance, another the philosophical term for ritual propriety.
Is “li” a common word?
“Li” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “li” have?
“Li” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a traditional Chinese unit of distance, now standardized at about half a kilometer.
What is the difference between a li and a kilometer?
A li is a traditional Chinese unit of distance now standardized at about half a kilometre, so roughly two li equal one kilometre. Unlike the kilometre, which is a fixed metric unit used worldwide, the length of a li varied throughout Chinese history before being standardized.
How is li used in Confucian philosophy?
In Confucian thought, li refers to proper ritual, etiquette, and behaviour expected in social and ceremonial life. It covers everything from formal ceremonies to everyday courtesy, and is seen as essential to maintaining a well-ordered society.
Why does li have two completely unrelated meanings?
The single English spelling "li" romanizes two different Chinese words: one naming a unit of distance of about half a kilometre, and another naming ritual propriety in Confucian ethics. They are separate terms that happen to share the same transliteration, so context tells you which is meant.
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