流利

• Pinyin: liú lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 流 (liú) — to flow; 利 (lì) — smooth, sharp, beneficial

Meaning

Fluent; flowing smoothly. Describes language ability that is smooth and natural.

Almost exclusively used to describe language proficiency — speaking, reading, or writing in a smooth, effortless manner. Can occasionally describe writing style. Commonly paired with 地 as an adverb: 流利地说。

Examples

1. 她的中文说得很流利。 She speaks Chinese very fluently.
2. 他能流利地说三种语言。 He can speak three languages fluently.
3. 我希望以后能流利地说英语。 I hope to speak English fluently in the future.

Usage Guide

Context: language learning, compliment

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 你的汉语说得真流利！(Your Chinese is really fluent!)
• 她英语很流利。(Her English is very fluent.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'他走路很流利' (Don't use 流利 for physical movements — it's only for language; use 顺畅 or 自然 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 流 (to flow) and 利 (smooth, sharp). Together they create the image of speech flowing smoothly without obstruction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal