li
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 guide said the temple was only a few li away, but the walk felt much longer.
natural
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