了
Meaning:
clear; to finish; particle of completed action
HSK 3
Frequency:
#132
Pinyin:
le, liǎo
Strokes:
2
Radical:
亅
How to Write 了 - 2 Strokes
Watch how each stroke is written step-by-step
1
2
About "了" in Chinese
The Chinese character 了 (le) means "clear; to finish; particle of completed action". It is classified as an HSK 3 character, making it important for intermediate learners. This character is written with 2 strokes. Common words containing 了 include: 不了, 不了, 了了.
📚 Words and Phrases with 了
Common words containing this character
不了
no thanks (used to politely but informally decline)
HSK 2
不了
(as a resultative verb suffix) unable to (do sth)
HSK 2
了了
to realize clearly
HSK 2
了了
to realize clearly
HSK 2
公了
to settle in court (opposite: 私了[si1 liao3])
HSK 2
到了
at last
HSK 2
吹了
failed; busted; to have not succeeded
HSK 2
嘎了
(slang) (I'm, you're) toast; so screwed; it's game over (for sb); (sth) bit the dust
HSK 2
坏了
shoot!
HSK 2
完了
to be finished
HSK 2
💬 Example Sentences with 了
See how "了" is used in context
1
我吃了早饭。
I ate breakfast.
2
雨停了。
The rain has stopped.
3
他走了。
He left.
📜 Etymology
Type: Pictographic
Origin: A child swaddled in blanklets; compare 子
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you pronounce "了"?
- The pinyin is le, liǎo
- How many strokes does "了" have?
- It has 2 strokes
- What does "了" mean?
- clear; to finish; particle of completed action
- What is the radical of "了"?
- The radical is "亅"