liǎo

嘞

Character · Verb · AuxiliaryTraditional了

end; understand

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

3 senses · 6 examples
1.

verb

to end; to finish; to settle

formal

Often used in formal or written contexts to indicate completion.

Zhè这
jiàn件
shì事
yǐ已
jīng经
liǎo了
le了
 。

This matter has already been settled.

Yī一
liǎo了
bǎi百
liǎo了
 。

End one thing, end all. / Settle the main issue, and all minor ones will be resolved.

2.

verb

to understand; to know clearly

neutral

Used in the negative form '不了(liǎo)' to mean 'cannot' or in compound words.

Wǒ我
liǎo了
jiě解
tā他
de的
xiǎng想
fǎ法
 。

I understand his thoughts.

Zhè这
jiàn件
shì事
wǒ我
bù不
liǎo了
 。

I don't understand this matter.

3.

auxiliary

can; possible

neutral

Used after a verb in negative form 'V+不了(liǎo)' to indicate impossibility or inability.

Wǒ我
chī吃
bù不
liǎo了
le了
 。

I can't eat anymore.

Zhè这
ge个
xiāng箱
zi子
tài太
zhòng重
le了
 ，
wǒ我
bān搬
bù不
liǎo了
 。

This box is too heavy, I can't move it.