櫟 (lì) - Oak tree (Quercus spp.) & a type of deciduous tree

櫟Tone 4

lì ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

櫟 · lì

Oak tree (Quercus spp.

);

a type of deciduous tree;

also used in place names;

to treat as unimportant, to slight.

Oak tree (Quercus spp.)a type of deciduous treealso used in place names

Usage highlights

Oak treeOak woodAcornLishui place nameOak forestTo treat as worthless

Synonyms

  • 橡— oak (more common modern term)
  • 柞— oak (specific species)

Antonyms

  • 珍— treasure, value (antonym to the 'slight' sense)
  • 寶— treasure, precious (antonym to the 'slight' sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The oak tree (櫟樹) is common in temperate forests.
  • This town is located in Lishui (櫟水).
  • He felt slighted by their disregard (被櫟).
  • The acorn is the fruit of the oak (櫟實).

Collocations

  • Oak tree(櫟樹)
  • Oak wood(櫟木)
  • Acorn(櫟實)
  • Lishui place name(櫟水)
  • Oak forest(櫟林)
  • To treat as worthless(櫟棄)

Idioms

  • A useless tree(散櫟)
  • To be content with being useless(櫟社)
  • Oak and bramble(櫟棘)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The oak is a symbol of strength and endurance in Chinese culture, but also of humility when used in the 'useless tree' motif.
  • In Daoist philosophy, the 'useless tree' (like the oak in some stories) avoids being cut down and thus achieves longevity, representing a form of wisdom.
  • Used in historical place names, such as Liyang (櫟陽) in ancient times.

FAQ