勒

• Pinyin: lēi
• Hanzi breakdown: 勒 = 革 (leather hide) + 力 (force/strength)

Meaning

To tie tightly; to bind; to strap; to fasten something securely with a rope or cord.

Specifically refers to tying something tightly with a rope, cord, or strap, often with a constrictive effect. Different from 绑 (to bind more loosely) in that 勒 implies firm, pressing tightness. Common in agricultural, transport, and everyday life contexts. Also pronounced lè with separate meanings (to rein in; to compel).

Examples

1. 他把行李用绳子勒紧，防止在长途运输中散落。 He cinched the luggage tight with rope to keep it from coming apart during long-distance transport.
2. 农民用草绳把晒干的麦子勒成一捆一捆的。 Farmers tied the dried wheat into bundles with straw rope.
3. 这根皮带勒得太紧，穿了一天之后腰部明显不舒服。 This belt is cinched too tight; after wearing it all day, my waist feels noticeably uncomfortable.

Usage Guide

Context: agriculture, daily life, transport, physical tasks

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 用绳子把包裹勒紧再发货。(Tie the parcel tightly with a rope before shipping.)
• 背包的肩带勒住了他的肩膀，留下了明显的印痕。(The backpack strap pressed tightly into his shoulder, leaving a visible mark.)

Don't Say

• 用勒形容松散的捆绑 — 勒强调紧绷束紧，松散地捆绑应用'绑'或'系'

Origin & History

勒 = 革 (leather) + 力 (force/strength) — to bind tightly with a leather strap

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional/Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal