流利 liúlì fluent
How to remember 流利: 流 flow + 利 benefit = fluent.
Characters
How it is used
- An adjective for smooth, fluent language ability - 说得很流利 (shuō de hěn liúlì) speaks very fluently, typically paired with 得 as a complement after a speaking verb.
- Used specifically for language/speech fluency, not general skill (for which 熟练, shúliàn, "proficient/skilled" is used instead).
- 流 carries the sense of "flowing", so 流利 literally evokes speech that flows smoothly without stumbling.
Example sentences
- 他说法语说得很流利。 Tā shuō fǎyǔ shuō de hěn liúlì.He is fluent in French.
- 我认为自己的法语相当流利。 Wǒ rènwéi zìjǐ de fǎyǔ xiāngdāng liúlì.I consider myself fairly fluent in French.
- 你英语说得很流利。 Nǐ yīngyǔ shuō de hěn liúlì.You speak fluent English.