Usage of the character 李

Li Peng (1928-2019), leading PRC politician, prime minister 1987-1998, reportedly leader of the conservative faction advocating the June 1989 Tiananmen clampdown

Lǐ Sī

李斯

[李斯]

Li Si (c. 280-208 BC), Legalist philosopher, calligrapher and prime minister of Qin kingdom and Qin dynasty from 246 to 208 BC

Lǐ Zhì

李治

[李治]

Li Zhi, personal name of third Tang emperor Gaozong 唐高宗 ( Táng Gāozōng), (628-683), reigned 649-683

Lǐ Zhì

李贽

[李贄]

Li Zhi (1527-1602), late Ming philosopher, historian and writer

lǐzi

李子

[李子]

plum
CL:個／个 (gè)

Lǐ Sì

李四

[李四]

Li Si, name for an unspecified person, second of a series of three: 張三／张三 ( Zhāng Sān), 李四, 王五 ( Wáng Wǔ) Tom, Dick and Harry

lǐshù

李树

[李樹]

plum tree

Lǐ Aó

李翱

[李翱]

Li Ao (774-836), Tang dynasty scholar and writer, colleague of Han Yu 韓愈／韩愈 ( Hán Yù) in promoting classical writing 古文運動／古文运动 (gǔwényùndòng)

Lǐwéi

李维

[李維]

Titus Livius or Livy (59 BC-17 AD), Roman historian

Lǐ Chén

李忱

[李忱]

Li Chen, personal name of seventeenth Tang emperor Xuanzong 宣宗 ( Xuānzōng) (810-859), reigned 846-859

Lǐ Fǎng

李昉

[李昉]

Li Fang (925-996), scholar between Tang and Song dynasties, author of fictional history

Lǐ Kuí

李逵

[李逵]

Li Kui, character in the novel Water Margin 水滸全傳／水浒全传 ( Shuǐhǔquánzhuàn)

Lǐ Jìng

李靖

[李靖]

Li Jing (570-649 AD), Tang Dynasty general and purported author of "Duke Li of Wei Answering Emperor Taizong of Tang" 唐太宗李衛公問對／唐太宗李卫公问对 ( Táng Tàizōng Lǐ Wèi Gōng Wènduì), one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China 武經七書／武经七书 ( Wǔjīng Qīshū)

Lǐ Wén

李玟

[李玟]

Coco Lee (1975-), pop singer, songwriter and actress

Lǐ Yú

李渔

[李漁]

Li Yu (1611-c. 1680), late Ming and early Qing writer and dramatist

Lǐ An

李安

[李安]

Ang Li (1954-), Taiwanese-American film director (films include Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 臥虎藏龍／卧虎藏龙 and Brokeback Mountain 斷背山／断背山)

Lǐ Yù

李豫

[李豫]

Li Yu, personal name of ninth Tang emperor Taizong 代宗 ( Tàizōng) (727-779), reigned 762-779

Lǐ Líng

李陵

[李陵]

Li Ling (-74 BC), Han dynasty general whose defeat by the Xiongnu 匈奴 in 104 BC led to a major scandal

Lǐ Ang

李昂

[李昂]

Li Ang, personal name of fifteenth Tang emperor Wenzong 文宗 ( Wénzōng) (809-840), reigned 827-840

Lǐ Hēng

李亨

[李亨]

Li Heng, personal name of eighth Tang emperor Suzong 肅宗／肃宗 ( Sùzōng) (711-762), reigned 756-762

Lǐcāng

李沧

[李滄]

Licang district of Qingdao city 青島市／青岛市, Shandong

Lǐ Yīng

李缨

[李纓]

Li Ying (1963-), Japanese-educated Chinese documentary film director

Lǐ Tiě

李铁

[李鐵]

Li Tie (1977-), footballer

lǐmù

李木

[李木]

blackthorn

xíngli

行李

[行李]

luggage
CL:件 (jiàn)

Lǐ Er

李耳

[李耳]

Lao Zi

Lǐqún

李群

[李群]

Lie group (math.)

Lǐshì

李氏

[李氏]

the Korean Yi or Lee Dynasty (1392-1910)

Lǐ Kuī

李悝

[李悝]

Li Kui (455-395 BC), legalist philosopher and statesman of Wei state 魏國／魏国 ( Wèiguó)

Lǐ Chún

李纯

[李純]

Li Chun, personal name of twelfth Tang emperor Xianzong 憲宗／宪宗 ( Xiànzōng) (778-820), reigned 805-820

Lǐ Níng

李宁

[李寧]

Li Ning (1963-), PRC gymnast, winner of three gold medals at Los Angeles 1984 Olympic games

Lǐ Jùn

李俊

[李俊]

Li Jun, fictional character from 水滸傳／水浒传 ( Shuǐhǔ Zhuàn)

Lǐ Bái

李白

[李白]

Li Bai (701-762), famous Tang Dynasty poet

Lǐ Guǐ

李鬼

[李鬼]

false hero (who pretends to be 李逵 ( Lǐ Kuí)); a fake

Lǐ Cuǐ

李漼

[李漼]

Li Cui, personal name of eighteenth Tang emperor Yizong 懿宗 ( Yìzōng) (833-873), reigned 859-873

zuìlǐ

槜李

[槜李]

plum with bright red skin

Lǐ Nà

李娜

[李娜]

Li Na (1982-), Chinese tennis player, first Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles title (2011 French Open women's singles)

Lǐ Guǎng

李广

[李廣]

Li Guang (-119 BC), Han dynasty general, nicknamed Flying General 飛將軍／飞将军 and much feared by the Xiongnu 匈奴

Lǐ Yù

李煜

[李煜]

Li Yu (c. 937-978), given name of the final ruler of Tang of the Five Southern dynasties Li Houzhu 李後主／李后主, a renowned poet

Lǐ Sòng

李诵

[李誦]

Li Song, personal name of eleventh Tang emperor Shunzong 順宗／顺宗 ( Shùnzōng) (761-806), reigned 805-806

Lǐ Héng

李恒

[李恆]

Li Heng, personal name of thirteenth Tang emperor Muzong 穆宗 ( Mù Zōng) (795-824), reigned 821-825

Lǐ Chán

李瀍

[李瀍]

Li Chan, personal name of sixteenth Tang Emperor Wuzong 武宗 ( Wǔzōng) (814-846), reigned 840-846

Lǐ Yuān

李渊

[李淵]

Li Yuan, personal name of first Tang emperor Gaozu 唐高祖 ( Táng Gāozǔ) (566-635), reigned 618-626

Lǐ Yè

李晔

[李曄]

Li Ye, personal name of twentieth Tang emperor Zhaozong 昭宗 ( Zhāozōng) (867-904), reigned 888-904

Lǐ Zhé

李哲

[李哲]

Li Zhe, personal name of fourth Tang Emperor Zhongzong 唐中宗 ( Táng Zhōngzōng) (656-710), reigned 705-710

Lǐ Kāifù

李开复

[李開復]

Kai-Fu Lee (1961-), Taiwanese computer scientist and IT executive, founding president of Google China 2005-2009

Lǐ Yuēsè

李约瑟

[李約瑟]

Joseph Needham (1900-1995), British biochemist and author of Science and Civilization in China

Lǐ Chóngmào

李重茂

[李重茂]

Li Chongmao, personal name of fifth Tang emperor Shang 唐殤帝／唐殇帝 ( Táng Shāng Dì) (c. 695-715), reigned 710

Lǐ Chéngjiāng

李成江

[李成江]

Li Chengjiang (1979-), Chinese figure skater

xínglijià

行李架

[行李架]

luggage rack

cìrlǐ

刺儿李

[刺兒李]

gooseberry

Lǐsītè

李斯特

[李斯特]

Ferenc (Franz) Liszt (1811-1886), Hungarian composer
Joseph Lister (1883-1897), British surgeon and bacteriologist

Lǐ Wá Zhuàn

李娃传

[李娃傳]

Tale of Courtesan Li Wa, novel by Tang writer Bai Xingjian 白行簡／白行简 ( Bái Xíngjiǎn) along the lines of La Traviata, favorite opera plot

Lǐ Yàpéng

李亚鹏

[李亞鵬]

Li Yapeng (1971-), PRC actor

Lǐ Jì Lán

李季兰

[李季蘭]

Li Jilan or Li Ye 李冶 ( Lǐ Yě) (713-784), Tang dynasty female poet

Lǐ Bóyuán

李伯元

[李伯元]

Li Boyuan or Li Baojia 李寶嘉／李宝嘉 (1867-1906), late Qing journalist, novelist and social observer, author of Observations on the current state of officialdom 官場現形記／官场现形记

Lǐ Chānghào

李昌镐

[李昌鎬]

Lee Chang-ho (1975-), South Korean Go player

Lǐ Míngbó

李明博

[李明博]

Lee Myung-bak (1941-), South Korean businessman, one-time chairman of Hyundai, president of South Korea 2008-2013

Lǐ Kèqiáng

李克强

[李克強]

Li Keqiang (1955-2023), PRC politician, premier 2013-2023

Lǐ Hóngzhì

李洪志

[李洪志]

Li Hongzhi (1951-), founder of Falun Gong 法輪功／法轮功 ( Fǎlúngōng)

Lǐ Xiānniàn

李先念

[李先念]

Li Xiannian (1909-1992), PRC general and politician

Lǐ Yuánhào

李元昊

[李元昊]

Li Yuanhao (1003-1048), founding king of Xixia 西夏 ( Xī Xià) around modern Ningxia 寧夏／宁夏 ( Níngxià)

Lǐ Chéngguì

李成桂

[李成桂]

Yi Seong-gye (1335-1408), founder and first king of Korean Yi dynasty (1392-1910)

Lǐ Dēnghuī

李登辉

[李登輝]

Lee Teng-hui (1923-2020), Taiwanese politician, president of ROC 1988-2000

Tiěguǎi Lǐ

铁拐李

[鐵拐李]

see 李鐵拐／李铁拐 ( Lǐ Tiěguǎi)

Lǐ Hóngzhāng

李鸿章

[李鴻章]

Li Hung-chang or Li Hongzhang (1823-1901), Qing dynasty general, politician and diplomat

Lǐ Mǐnyǒng

李敏勇

[李敏勇]

Li Minyong (1947-), Taiwanese poet

Lǐ Yuǎnzhé

李远哲

[李遠哲]

Yuan T. Lee (1936-), Taiwanese-born Chemist and Nobel Prize winner in 1986

xínglidài

行李袋

[行李袋]

travel bag

Lǐ Yánshòu

李延寿

[李延壽]

Li Yanshou (fl. 650), compiler of History of the Southern 南史 and Northern Dynasties 北史

Lǐ Yànhóng

李彦宏

[李彥宏]

Robin Li (1968-), founder and CEO of Baidu 百度, a PRC Internet company

Lǐ Línfǔ

李林甫

[李林甫]

Li Linfu (-752), Tang politician, chancellor under Tang emperor Xuanzong 玄宗

Lǐ Xiǎolóng

李小龙

[李小龍]

Bruce Lee (1940-1973), Hong Kong actor and martial arts expert

Lǐ Fùchūn

李富春

[李富春]

Li Fuchun (1900-1975), Chinese Communist revolutionary and politician, served as Vice Premier of the PRC

Lǐdàishù

李代数

[李代數]

Lie algebra (math.)

Lǐwéisī

李维斯

[李維斯]

Levi's (brand)

Lǐ Ruìhuán

李瑞环

[李瑞環]

Li Ruihuan (1934-), former Chinese politician

Lǐ Guóháo

李国豪

[李國豪]

Brandon Lee (1965-1993), American actor, son of Bruce Lee

Dà Lǐ Dù

大李杜

[大李杜]

Li Bai 李白 ( Lǐ Bái) and Du Fu 杜甫 ( Dù Fǔ)

Lǐ Jiérén

李劼人

[李劼人]

Li Jieren (1891-1962), novelist

Lǐ Yǔchūn

李宇春

[李宇春]

Li Yuchun aka Chris Lee (1984-), Chinese pop singer

Lǐ Yuáncháo

李源潮

[李源潮]

Li Yuanchao (1950-), vice president of PRC from 2013-2018

Lǐ Zhènfān

李振藩

[李振藩]

Li Zhenfan (1940-1973), real name of the actor Bruce Lee 李小龍／李小龙 ( Lǐ Xiǎolóng)

xínglixiāng

行李箱

[行李箱]

suitcase
baggage compartment
overhead bin
(car) trunk
boot

Lǐ Zékǎi

李泽楷

[李澤楷]

Richard Li (1966-), Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist

Lǐ Cháowēi

李朝威

[李朝威]

Li Chaowei (c. 766-c. 820), Tang writer of fantasy fiction 傳奇／传奇, author of 柳毅傳／柳毅传

Lǐ Huáiyuǎn

李怀远

[李懷遠]

Li Huaiyuan (-756), senior Tang dynasty official

Lǐ Délín

李德林

[李德林]

Li Delin (530-590), historian of Northern Wei and Sui dynasty

xínglifáng

行李房

[行李房]

luggage office

Lǐ Dàzhāo

李大钊

[李大釗]

Li Dazhao (1889-1927), early Chinese Marxist and founding member of the communist party

Lǐ Xuějiàn

李雪健

[李雪健]

Li Xuejian (1954-), Chinese actor

Lǐ Zhàoxīng

李肇星

[李肇星]

Li Zhaoxing (1940-), former PRC foreign minister

Lǐ'ěrwáng

李尔王

[李爾王]

King Lear, 1605 tragedy by William Shakespeare 莎士比亞／莎士比亚

Lǐ Yúnnà

李云娜

[李雲娜]

Euna Lee (phonetic transcription), US woman journalist imprisoned as spy by North Korea in 2009
also written 李誠恩／李诚恩 ( Lǐ Chéng'ēn)

Lǐ Guāngyào

李光耀

[李光耀]

Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015), founding father of modern Singapore, prime minister 1959-1990

Lǐ Shùnchén

李舜臣

[李舜臣]

Yi Sunshin (1545-1598), Korean admiral and folk hero, famous for sea victories over the Japanese invaders

Lǐ Shízhēn

李时珍

[李時珍]

Li Shizhen (1518-1593), Ming botanist and pharmacologist, author of Compendium of Medical Herbs 本草綱目／本草纲目 ( Běncǎo Gāngmù)

Lǐ Chéngwǎn

李承晚

[李承晚]

Syngman Rhee (1875-1965), US-trained Korean politician and dictator, president of Republic of Korea 1948-1960

Lǐ Zhífū

李直夫

[李直夫]

Li Zhifu (c. 14th century), Yuan dynasty playwright in the 雜劇／杂剧 (zájù) style

Lǐ Chángchūn

李长春

[李長春]

Li Changchun (1944-), PRC politician

Lǐ Bīngbīng

李冰冰

[李冰冰]

Li Bingbing (1973-), PRC film actress and pop star

Lǐ Bǎojiā

李宝嘉

[李寶嘉]

Li Boyuan 李伯元 or Li Baojia (1867-1906), late Qing journalist, novelist and social observer, author of Observations on the current state of officialdom 官場現形記／官场现形记

Lǐ Rǔzhēn

李汝珍

[李汝珍]

Li Ruzhen (c. 1763-c. 1830), Qing novelist and phonologist, author of fantasy novel Jinghua Yuan 鏡花緣／镜花缘 or Flowers in the Mirror

Lǐ Shāngyǐn

李商隐

[李商隱]

Li Shangyin (c. 813-858), Tang poet

Lǐ Jiànchéng

李建成

[李建成]

Li Jiancheng (589-626), eldest son of first Tang emperor Li Yuan 唐高祖李淵／唐高祖李渊, murdered by his brother 李世民 in the Xuanwu Gate coup 玄武門之變／玄武门之变
Professor Li Jiancheng (1964-), geophysicist and specialist in satellite geodesy

xínglipiào

行李票

[行李票]

baggage tag

Lǐ Gōngpǔ

李公朴

[李公樸]

Li Gongpu (-1946), communist killed by Guomindang in Kunming in 1946

Lǐ Tiānlù

李天禄

[李天祿]

Li Tianlu (1910-1998), Taiwanese master puppeteer

Lǐ Bǎiyào

李百药

[李百藥]

Li Baiyao (565-648), Tang dynasty writer and historian, compiler of History of Qi of the Northern dynasties 北齊書／北齐书

Lǐ Chéng'ēn

李诚恩

[李誠恩]

Euna Li, US-Korean woman journalist imprisoned as spy by North Korea in 2009

Lǐ Zōngshèng

李宗盛

[李宗盛]

Jonathan Lee (1958-), Taiwanese record producer and songwriter

Lǐ Tiěguǎi

李铁拐

[李鐵拐]

Iron-Crutch Li, one of the Eight Immortals 八仙 ( Bāxiān) in Chinese mythology, walking around with an iron crutch and carrying a gourd with special medicine

Lǐ Liánjié

李连杰

[李連杰]

Li Lianjie or Jet Li (1963-), martial arts sportsman, subsequently film star and director

Lǐ Lüyuán

李绿园

[李綠園]

Li Lüyuan (1707-1790), Qing dynasty writer, author of novel Lamp in the Side Street 岐路燈／岐路灯 ( Qílù Dēng)

Lǐ Jiāxīn

李嘉欣

[李嘉欣]

Michele Monique Reis (1970-) actress, model and former Miss Hong Kong & Miss Chinese International

Lǐ Zhèngdào

李政道

[李政道]

Tsung-Dao Lee (1926-), Chinese American physicist, Columbia University, 1957 Nobel laureate

Lǐ Yīngrú

李英儒

[李英儒]

Li Yingru (1913-1989), calligrapher and writer, author of many novels about the war as seen by the communists

xíngliyuán

行李员

[行李員]

porter
bellboy

Lǐ Wèigōng

李卫公

[李衛公]

Li Wei Gong
Duke Li of Wei, official title of Li Jing 李靖 ( Lǐ Jìng)

Lǐ Xiǎnlóng

李显龙

[李顯龍]

Lee Hsien Loong (1952-), Singapore PAP politician, eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew 李光耀 ( Lǐ Guāngyào), prime minister from 2004

Lǐ Xiūxián

李修贤

[李修賢]

Danny Lee Sau-Yin (1953-), Hong Kong actor and director

Lǐ Zōngrén

李宗仁

[李宗仁]

Li Zongren (1891-1969), a leader of Guangxi warlord faction

Lǐ Sìguāng

李四光

[李四光]

Li Siguang (1889-1971), Mongol-born, Japanese-trained geologist, prominent in early PRC oil exploration

Lǐ Shūtóng

李叔同

[李叔同]

Liu Shutong (1880-1942), painter, Buddhist monk and distinguished figure in New Culture Movement 新文化運動／新文化运动 ( Xīn Wénhuà Yùndòng) after the Xinhai Revolution 辛亥革命 ( Xīnhài Gémìng) of 1911

Lǐ Lìshān

李丽珊

[李麗珊]

Lee Lai-Shan (1970-), former windsurfing world champion from Hong Kong

Lǐtiānwáng

李天王

[李天王]

the pagoda bearing god

Lǐcāngqū

李沧区

[李滄區]

Licang district of Qingdao city 青島市／青岛市, Shandong

Lǐ Huìchāng

李会昌

[李會昌]

Lee Hoi-chang (1935-), South Korean politician

Lǐ Lánqīng

李岚清

[李嵐清]

Li Lanqing (1932-), PRC politician

Lǐ Hòuzhǔ

李后主

[李後主]

Li Houzhu (c. 937-978), the final Southern Tang ruler (ruled 961-975) and a renowned poet
given name Li Yu 李煜

Lǐ Zìchéng

李自成

[李自成]

Li Zicheng (1605-1645), leader of peasant rebellion at the end of the Ming Dynasty

Lǐ Jiāchéng

李嘉诚

[李嘉誠]

Sir Li Ka-shing (1928-), Hong Kong businessman

Lǐ Lōngjī

李隆基

[李隆基]

personal name of seventh Tang emperor Xuanzong 唐玄宗 ( Táng Xuánzōng) (685-762), reigned 712-756

Lǐ Qīngzhào

李清照

[李清照]

Li Qingzhao (1084-c. 1151), southern Song female poet

càilǐfó

蔡李佛

[蔡李彿]

Cai Li Fo, Choy Li Fut, Choy Lay Fut, Choi Lei Fut, Choy Lai Fut, Choy Ley Fut, Choi Lei Faht, Tsai Li Fo, Choi Leih Faht - Martial Art

Lǐ Géfēi

李格非

[李格非]

Li Gefei (active c. 1090), Northern Song writer and father of southern Song female poet Li Qingzhao 李清照

Lǐ Shìmín

李世民

[李世民]

Li Shimin, personal name of second Tang emperor Taizong 唐太宗 ( Táng Tàizōng) (599-649), reigned 626-649

Zhāng Sān Lǐ Sì

张三李四

[張三李四]

(lit.) Zhang Three and Li Four; (fig.) any Tom, Dick or Harry

Lǐsītèjūn

李斯特菌

[李斯特菌]

Listeria monocytogene

tóutáobàolǐ

投桃报李

[投桃報李]

toss a peach, get back a plum (idiom); to return a favor
to exchange gifts
Scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours.

Zhāng Wáng Lǐ Zhào

张王李赵

[張王李趙]

any Tom, Dick or Harry; anyone

tuōyùnxíngli

托运行李

[托運行李]

luggage that has been checked in (on flight)

Lǐxīhuòfēn

李希霍芬

[李希霍芬]

Ferdinand von Richthofen (1833-1905), German geologist and explorer who published a major foundational study of the geology of China in 1887 and first introduced the term Silk Road 絲綢之路／丝绸之路

Zhāngguān Lǐdài

张冠李戴

[張冠李戴]

lit. to put Zhang's hat on Li's head
to attribute sth to the wrong person (idiom)
to confuse one thing with another

Lǐshì Cháoxiǎn

李氏朝鲜

[李氏朝鮮]

Joseon, last Korean dynasty (1392-1910)

yànrútáolǐ

艳如桃李

[艷如桃李]

lit. beautiful as peach and prune
fig. radiant beauty

lǐdàitáojiāng

李代桃僵

[李代桃僵]

lit. the plum tree withers in place of the peach tree
to substitute one thing for another
to carry the can for sb

guātiánlǐxià

瓜田李下

[瓜田李下]

abbr. for 瓜田不納履，李下不整冠／瓜田不纳履，李下不整冠 (guātiánbùnàlü,lǐxiàbùzhěngguān)

Lǐwéi Shǐtuó

李维史陀

[李維史陀]

Claude Lévi-Strauss (1908-2009), French social anthropologist

Bónàsī· Lǐ

伯纳斯·李

[伯納斯·李]

Sir Tim Berners-Lee (1955-), British computer scientist and co-creator of the World Wide Web

Dàmǎshìgélǐ

大马士革李

[大馬士革李]

damson (fruit)

xínglichuánsòngdài

行李传送带

[行李傳送帶]

luggage conveyor belt; baggage carousel

Lǐsītèshìjūn

李斯特氏菌

[李斯特氏菌]

listeria bacillus

Lǐ Hóngzhāngzásui

李鸿章杂碎

[李鴻章雜碎]

chop suey (American Chinese dish)

Lǐbokènèixī

李卜克内西

[李卜克內西]

Wilhelm Liebknecht (1826-1900), political activist and founding member of the German Socialist Party SPD

xínglǐbānyùngōng

行李搬运工

[行李搬運工]

baggage handler

Lǐsītèshìgǎnjūn

李斯特氏杆菌

[李斯特氏桿菌]

listeria bacillus

Zhāngjiācháng, Lǐjiāduǎn

张家长，李家短

[張家長，李家短]

lit. the Zhangs are better off than the Lis (idiom); to gossip about the neighbors

xuánzhuǎnxínglichuánsòngdài

旋转行李传送带

[旋轉行李傳送帶]

baggage carousel

Táng Tàizōng Lǐ Wèi Gōng Wènduì

唐太宗李卫公问对

[唐太宗李衛公問對]

"Duke Li of Wei Answering Emperor Taizong of Tang", military treatise attributed to Li Jing 李靖 ( Lǐ Jìng) and one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China 武經七書／武经七书 ( Wǔjīng Qīshū)

guātiánbùnàlü,lǐxiàbùzhěngguān

瓜田不纳履，李下不整冠

[瓜田不納履，李下不整冠]

lit. don't tie your shoelaces in a melon patch, and don't adjust your hat under a plum tree (idiom)
fig. don't do anything that might arouse suspicion
innocent acts may be misconstrued

Zhāng Sān, Lǐ Sì, Wáng Wǔ, Zhào Liù

张三，李四，王五，赵六

[張三，李四，王五，趙六]

(four proverbial names) Tom, Dick and Harry