Li Meaning in English
word
Definition
“Li” is usually a transliterated Chinese word. It most commonly refers either to a traditional Chinese unit of distance or to the Chinese surname Li.
Usage & Nuances
This is not a common everyday English word; it usually appears in discussions of Chinese language, history, maps, or names. Meaning depends heavily on context: with numbers or travel distance, it often means the distance unit; before a given name, it is often a surname.
Example Sentences
The old road was said to be fifty li long.
basic
Ms. Li is our new teacher.
basic
The village is three li from the river.
basic
I had to look up what a li was when I read the novel.
natural
Her last name is Li, so people sometimes assume she's Chinese.
natural
The guide said the temple was only a few li away, but the walk felt much longer.
natural