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March 24, 2026
矢shǐ(shi3)
The character 矢 (shǐ) primarily means 'arrow' or 'dart,' and can also imply the act of swearing or making a vow. It is commonly used in contexts involving archery or metaphorically to indicate a direct commitment to something, such as a promise.
Strokes5Radical矢Frequency#18678DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, archery was a significant skill, often associated with military prowess and honor. The act of swearing an oath, represented by 矢, reflects the importance of loyalty and integrity in historical contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine an arrow (矢) shooting straight through the air. The character resembles a dart flying forward, emphasizing its meaning of directness and commitment, similar to how one might vow to achieve a goal.
Meanings of 矢
shǐ(shi3)
1arrow, dart; to vow, to swear
2straight
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 矢
矢Simplified
5Strokes
矢Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 矢
Podcast: 矢
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AI Study Notes for 矢
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine an arrow (矢) shooting straight through the air. The character resembles a dart flying forward, emphasizing its meaning of directness and commitment, similar to how one might vow to achieve a goal.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 矢 in different contexts, as it can carry both literal and figurative meanings. It's more common in literary or formal contexts rather than everyday conversation. Ensure you use the correct tone: shǐ (third tone) to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 矢 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be useful for learners at advanced stages who are interested in classical texts or poetry. Focus on its connections to words related to promises or commitments, which may appear in more complex sentences.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, archery was a significant skill, often associated with military prowess and honor. The act of swearing an oath, represented by 矢, reflects the importance of loyalty and integrity in historical contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 矢 with similar-sounding characters and use the wrong tone, such as saying 'shi2' instead of 'shǐ'. Additionally, some might misuse it in casual conversation, where more common terms for 'promise' might be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 矢
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Grammar Patterns of 矢
矢 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 3 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
新近发生的事情使得他的中心主题显得更加有的放____。
Recent events have made his central theme even more apposite.
Example Sentences for 矢 (6)
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1
新近发生的事情使得他的中心主题显得更加有的放矢。
xīn jìn fā shēng de shì qíng shǐ dé tā de zhōng xīn zhǔ tí xiǎn dé gēng jiā yǒu de fàng shǐ。
Recent events have made his central theme even more apposite.
2
如果轮子是逆时针方向旋转, 其角动量矢量的方向朝东.
rú guǒ lún zǐ shì nì shí zhēn fāng xiàng xuán zhuǎn, , qí jiǎo dòng liáng shǐ liáng de fāng xiàng zhāo.
If the wheel is rotating counterclockwise, its angular - momentum vector is directed eastward.
3
她的双眸是矢车菊一般的亮蓝色。
tā de shuāng móu shì shǐ chē jú yī bān de liàng lán sè。
Her eyes were a bright, cornflower blue.
4
下面有必要先离题来确定和说明一些重要的矢量运算.
xià miàn yǒu bì yào xiān lí tí lái què dìng hé shuō míng yī xiē zhòng yào de shǐ liáng yùn suàn.
The following paragraphs are a necessary digression to define and illustrate several important vector operations.
5
摘要本文建立了矢量水听器的拾振模型,并分析推导了其拾振条件.
zhāi yào běn wén jiàn lì le shǐ liáng shuǐ tīng qì de shí zhèn mó xíng, , bìng fēn xī tuī dǎo le qí shí zhèn tiáo.
The model of vibration picking for a vector hydrophone is established.
Peak updraft strength is slightly enhanced with hodograph curvature.
Cultural Notes for 矢
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, archery was a significant skill, often associated with military prowess and honor. The act of swearing an oath, represented by 矢, reflects the importance of loyalty and integrity in historical contexts.
Word Family of 矢
Words Containing This Character6
矢shǐarrow
众矢之的attacked on all sides眾矢之的
矢量vector (spatial)
矢口否认to deny flatly矢口否認
矢志to pledge矢誌
无的放矢firing blindly無的放矢
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 矢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 矢
The primary meaning of 矢 is 'arrow' or 'dart', but it can also mean 'to vow' or 'to swear'.
It is often used in literary contexts rather than everyday speech, particularly in phrases related to making vows or promises.
Yes, you might encounter phrases like '矢志不渝' (shǐ zhì bù yú), meaning 'to be steadfast in one's determination'.
