利索

lìsuo

nimble

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective 利索 (lìsuo) describes someone or something that is quick, efficient, and skillful in action or speech. It often implies neatness and smoothness in handling tasks or communication.

Common Contexts

  • Describing a person's work style: "利索" means working quickly and competently.
  • Complimenting clear and fluent speech: "说话利索".
  • Praising problem-solving ability that is swift and effective.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 利索 + verb: emphasizes the manner of doing something quickly and neatly.
  • 利索: to do things efficiently.
  • 说话利索: to speak fluently and clearly.

Nuances

Using 利索 highlights not just speed but also skill and tidiness. It is generally positive and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid confusing it with words that only mean "fast" without the connotation of skillfulness.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 利索 with (kuài), which means "fast" but lacks the nuance of skill and neatness. 利索 implies both speed and competence.

Example Sentences

她做事很利索,效率很高。

Tā zuòshì hěn lìsuo, xiàolǜ hěn gāo.

She works very efficiently and quickly.

他利索地解决了所有问题。

Tā lìsuo de jiějuéle suǒyǒu wèntí.

He solved all the problems swiftly and neatly.

你说话真利索,表达很清楚。

Nǐ shuōhuà zhēn lìsuo, biǎodá hěn qīngchu.

You speak very fluently and clearly.