酹 (lèi) - To pour out a libation of wine in & to make a ceremonial wine offering.

酹Tone 4

lèi ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

酹 · lèi

To pour out a libation of wine in ritual offering, especially to spirits or ancestors;

to make a ceremonial wine offering.

To pour out a libation of wine into make a ceremonial wine offering.

Usage highlights

Pour libation wineLibation to the moonLibation to the riverLibation ceremonyLibation to heavenLibation in memory

Synonyms

  • 祭— to sacrifice; to offer ritual worship
  • 奠— to make offerings; to consecrate
  • 献— to offer; to present

Antonyms

  • 饮— to drink (opposite of pouring out)
  • 收— to receive; to collect (opposite of giving)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He poured a libation to honor his ancestors (酹酒祭祖).
  • The ceremony involved pouring wine as an offering (以酒酹地).
  • They made a libation to the river spirit (向河神酹酒).
  • Pouring wine in memory of the deceased (酹酒追思).

Collocations

  • Pour libation wine(酹酒)
  • Libation to the moon(酹月)
  • Libation to the river(酹江)
  • Libation ceremony(酹祭)
  • Libation to heaven(酹天)
  • Libation in memory(酹奠)

Idioms

  • Pour a libation to the moon(一樽还酹江月)
  • Libation to the vast river(酹酒长江)
  • Pour libation to the lonely soul(酹孤魂)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Ancient Chinese ritual practice of pouring wine as offering to spirits, ancestors, or deities.
  • Common in traditional ceremonies, memorial services, and poetic expressions of remembrance.
  • Frequently appears in classical Chinese poetry, particularly in works expressing nostalgia or tribute.

FAQ