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枳 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
枳zhǐtrifoliate orange; hedge thornzg, 9 strokes, radical 木
枳zhǐ(orange)unknown, 9 strokes, radical 木
zhǐ(zhi3) T3
  1. 1trifoliate orange; hedge thorn
  2. 2(orange)
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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
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

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 枳

枳Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 枳

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Podcast: 枳

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AI Study Notes for 枳

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.

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.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 枳

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Etymology of 枳

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

tree

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)只
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 枳

  1. 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half只 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaytree
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 枳? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

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Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 枳?

Decomposition of 枳

IDS Structure⿰木只
枳Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
只zhi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 枳?

How to say trifoliate orange; hedge thorn in Chinese

“trifoliate orange; hedge thorn” in Chinese is枳zhǐ

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.

When to use 枳

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).

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 枳

枳

Practice writing 枳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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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.

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