理论 (lǐ lùn) — theory in Mandarin
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#574 most common word · HSK 5 · CEFR B2
Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral.
Tone breakdown
理论 is pronounced lǐ lùn. Tap any syllable’s row to hear the whole word.
In a sentence
Zhège lǐlùn hěn zhòngyào.
This theory is very important.
Hear it, then say it right
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Start freeFrequently asked questions
What does 理论 mean?+
理论 (lǐ lùn) means "theory" in Mandarin Chinese.
How do you pronounce 理论?+
理论 is pronounced lǐ lùn. It uses the tone 3 (rising/dipping), then the tone 4 (falling). Tap the character on this page to hear native audio.
How common is 理论 in Mandarin?+
理论 is the #574 most frequent word in spoken Mandarin, so it is one of the first words worth learning.
Where 理论 fits
Every HSK 5 word with tone-coloured pinyin and audio.
Words at a similar frequency
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Why some tones change in connected speech.
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