What does 离 mean in Chinese?

离 (lí) means "to leave; to part from; to be away from; (in giving distances) from; without (sth); independent of; one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing fire; ☲" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 2.

How do you pronounce 离?

离 is pronounced "lí" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 2.

What HSK level is 离?

离 is an HSK 2 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam.

What words contain the character 离?

Common words with 离 include 分离 (to separate), 乖离 (to part), 偏离 (to deviate), 别离 (to take leave of), 不大离 (pretty close).

How do you write 离?

You can practice writing 离 using our stroke order tool.

离 (lí), to leave

离

lí

to leave; to part from; to be away from; (in giving distances) from

HSK 2verb

Traditional: 離

Definitions

(verb) to leave
to part from
to be away from
(in giving distances) from
without (sth)
independent of
one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing fire
☲

Example Sentences

我离开北京。

Wǒ líkāi Běijīng

I leave Beijing

Words Containing 离

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
分离	fēn lí	to separate	HSK 5
乖离	guāi lí	to part
偏离	piān lí	to deviate	HSK 7-9
别离	bié lí	to take leave of
不大离

Related Words

兑(duì)· to cash

→

乾(qián)· one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing heaven

→

坎(kǎn)· pit

→

坤(kūn)· one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing earth

→

Grammar Notes

Not Until (直到...才)HSK 4

直到 + Time/Condition, Subject + 才 + Verb

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 2
HSK 2.0: HSK 2
HSK Lord study list: HSK 2 list

离: HSK 2 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 2 exam

Studying for HSK 2? Keep 离 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 2 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.