HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
purport
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
aim
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
purpose
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
aim, intention, purpose, will
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
zhǐ(zhi3) T3
1imperial decree
2purport
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
旨zhǐ(zhi3)
The character 旨 (zhǐ) primarily refers to an imperial decree or a formal announcement of intent. It can also signify the essence or aim of something, often used in contexts discussing purpose or intention in various forms of communication.
Strokes6Radical日Frequency#37176DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, imperial decrees (旨) were crucial for governance, reflecting the authority of the emperor. Understanding this term connects learners to the historical significance of communication in traditional Chinese governance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise emperor issuing a decree (旨) that clearly states his aim. The character resembles a 'mouth' (口) communicating a significant message, while the radical for 'will' (志) hints at a deeper intention behind the words.
Meanings of 旨
zhǐ(zhi3)
1imperial decree
2purport
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 旨
旨Simplified
6Strokes
日Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#37176Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 旨
Podcast: 旨
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AI Study Notes for 旨
Quick Contrast
旨 (zhǐ) vs 意 (yì) — use 旨 when referring specifically to formal announcements or decrees, while 意 is more general and can refer to intention or meaning.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise emperor issuing a decree (旨) that clearly states his aim. The character resembles a 'mouth' (口) communicating a significant message, while the radical for 'will' (志) hints at a deeper intention behind the words.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which 旨 is used, as it can be formal or literary. Common collocations include phrases such as '旨在' (zhǐ zài) meaning 'aimed at'. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 旨 is not in the HSK curriculum, understanding it can enhance comprehension of more advanced texts discussing imperial history or formal announcements. Students should focus on its usage in literary contexts to build their vocabulary further.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, imperial decrees (旨) were crucial for governance, reflecting the authority of the emperor. Understanding this term connects learners to the historical significance of communication in traditional Chinese governance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 旨 in informal settings, treating it like everyday vocabulary. For example, saying '我旨要去' (wǒ zhǐ yào qù) instead of '我想去' (wǒ xiǎng qù) is incorrect. Use 旨 only in appropriate formal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 旨
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Grammar Patterns of 旨
旨 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 5 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
指挥将该作品情感上的毅然决然这一主____充分表现了出来。
The conductor brought home the full thrust of the work's emotional resolution.
Religious fundamentalism was spreading in the region.
10
原教旨主义者和世俗主义者的纷争使得该国支离破碎。
yuán jiào zhǐ zhǔ yì zhě hé shì sú zhǔ yì zhě de fēn zhēng shǐ dé gāi guó zhī lí pò suì。
The country is being torn to pieces by conflict between fundamentalists and secularists.
Cultural Notes for 旨
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, imperial decrees (旨) were crucial for governance, reflecting the authority of the emperor. Understanding this term connects learners to the historical significance of communication in traditional Chinese governance.
Word Family of 旨
Compounds14
指zhi3finger
脂zhi1fat
稽Ji1to examine, to investigate
酯zhi3ester
诣yi4to reach; achievement, accomplishment
詣yi4to reach; achievement, accomplishment
嚐
恉
鮨yi4sushi; seasoned rice mixed with fish
嘗chang2to taste; to experience, to experiment with
栺
鑙
鱨
鴲
Words Containing This Character17
旨意decree
宗旨zōngzhǐaim
旨在zhǐzàito be intended to
主旨gist
旨zhǐaim
圣旨imperial edict聖旨
要旨the main points
奉旨on imperial orders
传旨issue a decree傳旨
谕旨imperial edict諭旨
旨趣purport
题旨subject of literary work題旨
降旨to issue an imperial edict
诏旨an Imperial edict詔旨
宏旨gist
言近旨远simple words with a profound meaning (idiom)言近旨遠
弘旨gist
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 指 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 旨
You can use 旨 in formal writing or discussions about intentions, such as in literature or historical texts.
No, 旨 is more often found in formal or literary contexts rather than in casual conversation.
Connect the pronunciation 'zhǐ' with the image of a decree being clearly stated, as it emphasizes the 'intention' behind the communication.
