阅历

• Pinyin: yuè lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 阅 = 门 + 兑 (review/experience); 历 = 厂 + 林 + 止 (to pass through)

Meaning

Experience; life experience. The breadth of knowledge and insight gained through living and encountering varied situations.

Implies depth and richness of personal experience, often gained over time. Frequently used to praise someone's worldliness or to describe the maturity that comes with age and exposure.

Examples

1. 这位老作家阅历丰富，作品中充满了对人生的深刻洞察。 This veteran writer has a wealth of life experience, and his works are full of profound insight into human life.
2. 年轻人应当多出去走走，增长阅历，开阔视野。 Young people should get out and see more of the world, build life experience, and broaden their horizons.
3. 丰富的阅历使他在谈判中表现得从容不迫。 His rich experience allowed him to stay calm and composed during the negotiations.

Usage Guide

Context: personal development, career

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 她的阅历让她在处理复杂问题时总能找到突破口。(Her life experience always helps her find a breakthrough when dealing with complex problems.)
• 多年的游历大大丰富了他的人生阅历。(Years of travel greatly enriched his life experience.)

Don't Say

• 阅历少 to insult someone bluntly in formal speech — phrase as 经验尚浅 to soften the critique

Origin & History

阅 (to read/review/experience) + 历 (to pass through/experience)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal