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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 立 (lì) to mean "to stand"

    Actions & Events
    Location & Position

    Explanation

    立 (lì) is a verb meaning "to stand" or "to perch." It is used for people, animals, or objects that are in an upright position. In literary contexts, it can vividly describe a creature resting on something, such as 蜻蜓立 meaning "a dragonfly perches."

    Examples

    • 一只小鸟立在窗台上，一动不动。

      yì zhī xiǎo niǎo lì zài chuāngtái shàng, yí dòng bú dòng.

      A little bird stood on the windowsill, perfectly still.

    • 他笔直地立在门口等她回来。

      tā bǐzhí de lì zài ménkǒu děng tā huílái.

      He stood straight at the doorway waiting for her to come back.

    • 蜻蜓轻轻地立在荷叶的尖上。

      qīngtíng qīngqīng de lì zài héyè de jiān shàng.

      A dragonfly gently rested on the tip of a lotus leaf.

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    Using 立 (lì) to mean "to stand" | Chinese Grammar