determination, will; mark, sign; to record, to write
HSK 5, n, 7 strokes, radical 心, rank #9720, Hard
zhì(zhi4) T4
1aspiration
2ambition
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March 24, 2026
志(誌)zhì(zhi4)
The character 志 (zhì) primarily signifies aspiration or ambition, reflecting a person's will or determination to achieve something. It is often used in contexts relating to personal goals, dreams, or intentions, and can also refer to a record or mark, such as in writing or notation.
Strokes7Radical心Frequency#9720DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having a strong 志 (aspiration) is often celebrated, with historical figures and literary characters exemplifying determination and ambition. The concept is deeply rooted in Confucian values that emphasize personal cultivation and striving for excellence.
Memory Tip
Think of 志 as a person with a strong will (the heart radical 心) pushing forward towards their aspirations. Imagine a 'zhe (志)' with a heart full of dreams, marking their progress as they strive for their ambitions.
Meanings of 志
zhì(zhi4)
1aspiration
2ambition
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 志
志Simplified
誌Traditional
7Strokes
心Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9720Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 志
Podcast: 志
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AI Study Notes for 志
Quick Contrast
抱负 (bàofù, ambition) vs 志向 (zhìxiàng, aspiration) — use 志 when emphasizing personal will or determination rather than a broader ambition.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 志 as a person with a strong will (the heart radical 心) pushing forward towards their aspirations. Imagine a 'zhe (志)' with a heart full of dreams, marking their progress as they strive for their ambitions.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 志 with similar characters like 意 (yì, meaning 'meaning' or 'intention'), so it's important to focus on the aspect of will and ambition. It is typically used in formal contexts, particularly in literature or motivational discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 志 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is closely related to other concepts of will and intention in characters commonly studied at HSK levels. Students should focus on its usage in phrases like 志向 (zhìxiàng, 'aspiration') to deepen their understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having a strong 志 (aspiration) is often celebrated, with historical figures and literary characters exemplifying determination and ambition. The concept is deeply rooted in Confucian values that emphasize personal cultivation and striving for excellence.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 志 in informal contexts where a simpler term like 意 (yì) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我志要去旅行' (Wǒ zhì yào qù lǚxíng) instead of '我想去旅行' (Wǒ xiǎng qù lǚxíng) means 'I aspire to travel' but sounds overly formal.
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Pronunciation of 志
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Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 士 represents the sound. In simplified Chinese 志 is also used to mean "sign; record", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 誌.
Memory Hint
The mind 心 of a scholar 士; 士 also provides the pronunciation
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Grammar Patterns of 志
志 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The deal marks a turnaround in the fortunes of South Wales Electricity.
10
他让自己听从上帝的意志。
tā ràng zì jǐ tīng cóng shàng dì de yì zhì。
He has submitted himself to the will of God.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
I thought that we had a lot of fight in us.
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Cultural Notes for 志
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, having a strong 志 (aspiration) is often celebrated, with historical figures and literary characters exemplifying determination and ambition. The concept is deeply rooted in Confucian values that emphasize personal cultivation and striving for excellence.
📜Proverb
A common Chinese saying is: '有志者事竟成' (Yǒuzhì zhě shì jìng chéng), meaning 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' This reflects the deep cultural value placed on determination and ambition.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, ambition is often viewed positively, but it can also carry connotations of selfishness or ruthlessness, whereas in Chinese culture, a strong志 is respected as a virtue tied to collective and familial values.
Word Family of 志
Compounds7
痣zhi4spot, mole, birthmark
誌zhi4determination, will; mark, sign; to record, to write
鋕
俧
娡
梽
綕
Words Containing This Character20
同志tóngzhìcomrade
杂志zázhìmagazine雜誌
标志biāozhìsign標誌
意志yìzhìwill
志zhìsign誌
志愿者zhìyuànzhěvolunteer志願者
志愿zhìyuànaspiration志願
日志journal日誌
斗志dòuzhìwill to fight鬥志
杂志社magazine publisher雜誌社
神志consciousness
励志lìzhìto encourage勵志
志愿军volunteer army志願軍
德意志Germany
立志to be determined
志同道合like-minded (idiom)
林志玲Lin Chi-ling (1974-), Taiwanese model and actress
志向ambition
志气zhìqìambition志氣
范志毅Fan Zhiyi (1969-), soccer player
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 痣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 志
To remember the character 志 (zhì), you can associate it with the idea of a 'path' or 'direction' in life, as it embodies one's ambitions and aspirations. Visualizing someone setting goals can help reinforce the meaning.
Common phrases that include 志 (zhì) are 志愿 (zhìyuàn), meaning 'volunteer' or 'aspiration,' and 志向 (zhìxiàng), meaning 'ambition' or 'goal.' These phrases often reflect the desires and intentions of individuals.
You can use 志 (zhì) in a sentence to express one's ambition or goals, such as in '他有很大的志向' (Tā yǒu hěn dà de zhìxiàng), meaning 'He has great aspirations.' It's often paired with other words to emphasize the type of ambition someone has.
志 (zhì) means 'aspiration' or 'ambition' in Chinese. It can also refer to the will or intention behind actions. Additionally, it is used in contexts related to writing or recording footnotes.
You can use 志 in phrases like '我有一个很大的志向' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè hěn dà de zhìxiàng) meaning 'I have a big ambition.'
While it often refers to personal aspirations, 志 can also describe collective goals or aspirations of a group.
