How many strokes does the Chinese character "力" (lì) have?
"力" has 2 strokes in Simplified Chinese. Its primary dictionary radical is 力, and you can animate or practice writing every stroke in order using the interactive grid on this page.
Ready · 2 strokes
Speed:
Strength & Mythic Symbols
Name: Use with Caution
Tattoo: Caution Alone
力 Strength in Chinese (lì)
Dictionary Summary
力 (lì) means power; force; strength. Simplified form has 2 strokes under radical 力.
Pinyin & Tonelì (Tone 4)
Simplified / Trad.力 / 力
Radical力
Total Strokes2 strokes
StructureSingle Integral Form
Unicode / LevelU+529B · HSK 2
Native Naming & Tattoo Safety Review
🪪 Using “力” in a Chinese Name · Use with Caution (Masculine-leaning)
Avoid using 力 by itself in a name (e.g., 伟力, 力强), as it carries a heavy 1960s–1970s industrial vibe. Prefer 毅, 轩, or 凯/恒 for modern male strength.
✒️ Using “力” for a Tattoo · Caution Alone
Standalone 力 looks overly blunt—like a gym label or physics diagram ('force'). Use 毅力 (perseverance) or 力量 (inner strength) instead.
Character Etymology & CC-CEDICT Meanings
Origin & Visual Logic: Pictograph of a traditional wooden plow or flexed sinew arm exerting power.
| Traditional / Simplified | Pinyin | CC-CEDICT Definitions |
|---|---|---|
| 力 / 力 | lì | power; force; strength |
| 力 / 力 | Lì | surname Li |
Lexical entries derived from CC-CEDICT (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Make Me a Hanzi (APL / LGPL-3.0).
Common Words & Idioms Using “力”
| Chinese Word | Pinyin | English Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 力量 | lìliàng | strength and power | |
| 毅力 | yìlì | willpower and endurance | |
| 努力 | nǔlì | to strive hard |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "力" good to use in a real Chinese name?
Rating: Use with Caution (Masculine-leaning). Avoid using 力 by itself in a name (e.g., 伟力, 力强), as it carries a heavy 1960s–1970s industrial vibe. Prefer 毅, 轩, or 凯/恒 for modern male strength.
Is "力" safe as a Chinese character tattoo?
Tattoo rating: Caution Alone. Standalone 力 looks overly blunt—like a gym label or physics diagram ('force'). Use 毅力 (perseverance) or 力量 (inner strength) instead.