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March 24, 2026
枳zhǐ(zhi3)
The character 枳 (zhǐ) refers to a type of plant known as the trifoliate orange, which is often used as a hedge. This plant is notable for its thorny branches and is not typically grown for its fruit, which is sour and inedible. In Chinese, it can also symbolize resilience due to its thorny nature.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese gardens, plants like the 枳 are often used to create natural barriers, symbolizing protection and resilience. They are also referenced in classical literature and poetry, where thorns can represent hardship.
Memory Tip
Imagine a hedge made from the tough, thorny branches of the 枳 plant. The character starts with the radical for wood (木) on the left, indicating its plant nature, and the right side resembles a thorny fence, reminding you of its protective qualities. The pronunciation 'zhǐ' sounds like 'jeer,' as if someone is jeering at the thorny hedge, warning to stay away.
Meanings of 枳
zhǐ(zhi3)
1trifoliate orange; hedge thorn
2(orange)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 枳
枳Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 枳
Podcast: 枳
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AI Study Notes for 枳
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a hedge made from the tough, thorny branches of the 枳 plant. The character starts with the radical for wood (木) on the left, indicating its plant nature, and the right side resembles a thorny fence, reminding you of its protective qualities. The pronunciation 'zhǐ' sounds like 'jeer,' as if someone is jeering at the thorny hedge, warning to stay away.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 枳 with similar characters that denote other types of citrus fruits. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, so it's more likely to be found in botanical or literary contexts. Additionally, ensure that the tone is pronounced correctly as a falling tone (ˇ).
HSK Study Tips
While 枳 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its components can help learners recognize other characters related to plants or thorns. Focus on the 木 radical to connect with other characters in the HSK vocabulary that involve trees or wood.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese gardens, plants like the 枳 are often used to create natural barriers, symbolizing protection and resilience. They are also referenced in classical literature and poetry, where thorns can represent hardship.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 枳 with other citrus-related characters like 橘 (jú, tangerine). Remember that 枳 specifically refers to the thorny hedge type, not commonly consumed for its fruit.
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Pronunciation of 枳
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Cultural Notes for 枳
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese gardens, plants like the 枳 are often used to create natural barriers, symbolizing protection and resilience. They are also referenced in classical literature and poetry, where thorns can represent hardship.
Word Family of 枳
Words Containing This Character1
枳zhǐ(orange)
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 枳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 枳
It translates to trifoliate orange, a type of thorny hedge plant.
No, it is more specialized and found in botanical contexts.
It has a wood radical on the left, indicating its plant nature, and a component on the right that suggests its thorny characteristics.
