了 is also the simplified spelling of 瞭.
了
Characters in this entry
- 了
- le · to finish; particle of completed action
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Mandarin tones
5 · le5
Compare attested words with these syllables ↗Dictionary tones. Connected speech can change their realization.
Connected dictionary
Sentences in context
Exact source-spelling matches. Open the reader for dictionary lookups, construction notes and related examples. Occurrence does not establish a particular dictionary sense.
Read this spelling in Classical texts
Follow a written form into the eight pinned witnesses: Analects, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Han Feizi, Sunzi and the Mao Shijing. A match is a place to investigate; it does not prove that a modern dictionary sense fits the passage.
Compare dictionary sources Rime · Wiktionary
Rime Cantonese 粵拼
laa1 · liu1 · liu4 · liu5
Cantonese word readings for 了. This lexicon supplies readings, not definitions.
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Wiktionary English definitions · Chinese section
Independent source senses for this spelling, with usage labels retained. Not matched to the pronunciation above.
character · Etymology 1
- Used after a verb to indicate perfective aspect (action completion).
- Used at the end of a sentence to indicate a change of state.
- Used at the end of a sentence to inform the beginning of an action.
- Used at the end of a sentence to demand.
- (contemporary Shanghainese) Used to indicate the present tense.
character · Etymology 1
- to be finished; to be completed
- to end; to finish
- to understand; to comprehend
- clear; plain; understandable
- bright; intelligent; smart
- (in negative sentences) completely; utterly; entirely
- Used with 不 (bù) or 得 (de) after verbs to express possibility.
- (Hokkien) to use up; to lose; to waste; to squander
Source page · dump 2026-09-02 · Contributors & history
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