unknown, 11 strokes, radical 穴, rank #48351, Very Hard
zhì(zhi4) T4
1to obstruct, to stop
2to stop up
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March 24, 2026
窒zhì(zhi4)
The character 窒 (zhì) means to obstruct or to stop something, often referring to a blockage or hindrance. It is commonly used in contexts where an action or process is hindered, such as in medical terms related to respiratory issues or in discussions about physical barriers.
Strokes11Radical穴Frequency#48351DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of obstruction is significant, often related to the flow of 'Qi' (气), which must not be obstructed for good health. This character might appear in discussions about health and wellness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'window' (the radical '窓' represents a window) getting 'stopped up' with a thick fog blocking your view. The sound 'zhì' can remind you of 'shut'—as if the fog has shut out the view, creating an obstruction.
Meanings of 窒
zhì(zhi4)
1to obstruct, to stop
2to stop up
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 窒
窒Simplified
11Strokes
穴Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 窒
Podcast: 窒
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AI Study Notes for 窒
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'window' (the radical '窓' represents a window) getting 'stopped up' with a thick fog blocking your view. The sound 'zhì' can remind you of 'shut'—as if the fog has shut out the view, creating an obstruction.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the context in which you use 窒; it is more formal and may not be suitable for casual conversations. Common collocations include 窒息 (zhìxī, to suffocate) and 窒碍 (zhì'ài, to hinder). Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 窒 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, understanding it can help learners at higher levels grasp medical or technical texts. Focus on its usage in compound words and practice its pronunciation to differentiate it from similar-sounding characters.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of obstruction is significant, often related to the flow of 'Qi' (气), which must not be obstructed for good health. This character might appear in discussions about health and wellness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 窒 with similar-sounding characters, such as 质 (zhì, quality), leading to misunderstandings. For example, saying '质塞' instead of '窒塞' when referring to a blockage is incorrect; use 窒塞 (zhìsāi) for obstruction.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窒
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Grammar Patterns of 窒
窒 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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
她厌倦了自己生活令人____息的一成不变。
She was bored with the deadening routine of her life.
Example Sentences for 窒 (7)
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1
她厌倦了自己生活令人窒息的一成不变。
tā yàn juàn le zì jǐ shēng huó líng rén zhì xī de yī chéng bù biàn。
She was bored with the deadening routine of her life.
2
那座城市的街道肮脏不堪，弥漫着令人窒息的废气。
nà zuò chéng shì de jiē dào āng zāng bù kān， ， mí màn zháo líng rén zhì xī de fèi。
The city's streets are filthy and choked with exhaust fumes.
3
再输入并带上“窒息”,安东尼真的在掐他.
zài shū rù bìng dài shàng“ “ zhì”, xī ”, ān dōng ní zhēn de zài.
Type his name with choke and see Carmelo Anthony literally choking him.
4
那房间闻起来有股窒闷潮湿的味道.
nà fáng jiān wén qǐ lái yǒu gǔ zhì mèn cháo shī de wèi dào.
The greatest dangers of pyroclastic avalanches are probably heat and suffocation.
Cultural Notes for 窒
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of obstruction is significant, often related to the flow of 'Qi' (气), which must not be obstructed for good health. This character might appear in discussions about health and wellness.
Word Family of 窒
Words Containing This Character2
窒息zhìxīto choke
窒zhìto obstruct
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 窒息 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 窒
It is pronounced as 'zhì', with a falling tone.
It is more commonly found in formal writing or specific contexts, such as medical discussions.
It is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, but it can appear in technical language.
