adjective HSK 5
clever · sharp · quick-witted
Meaning
俐 means clever or sharp-minded, typically describing someone who is quick, agile in thinking, and articulate. It is rarely used alone in modern Mandarin and almost always appears in compound words, most commonly 伶俐 (línglì).
Usage
This character is literary and not used independently in everyday speech. Native speakers use it primarily in the set phrase 伶俐 (línglì) meaning 'clever and nimble' or 干脆利落 (gāncuì lìluò) meaning 'straightforward and efficient.' When describing someone as clever in casual conversation, speakers prefer words like 聪明 (cōngmíng) instead.
Examples
- 01这个小女孩儿很伶俐，说话做事都很麻利。, .This little girl is very clever; she's quick in both speech and action.
- 02他办事干脆利落，从不拖泥带水。, .He handles matters efficiently and never drags his feet.
Common collocations
- 伶俐clever and nimble
- 干脆利落straightforward and efficient
Antonyms
Origin
The character 俐 consists of the person radical 亻(rén) and 利 (lì, meaning sharp/profit), suggesting a person who is mentally sharp and quick.