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March 24, 2026
脂zhī(zhi1)
The character 脂 (zhī) primarily refers to fat or grease, often used in culinary contexts to describe oils and fats in cooking. It can also denote cosmetic products like rouge, emphasizing its association with richness or smoothness. In a broader sense, it may relate to substances with a viscous or oily texture.
Strokes10Radical⺼Frequency#8404DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the quality of fat in meats is highly valued, influencing dishes like braised pork belly, where the balance of fat and meat is crucial. This appreciation for fat is also reflected in traditional Chinese medicine, which views it as essential for energy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef (representing 脂) pouring thick, greasy fat from a large pot, making a mess. The character has the radical for 'flesh' (肉), hinting at its connection to fat, while the sound 'zhī' can be remembered by thinking of a chef saying 'Gooey!' as they handle the fat.
Meanings of 脂
zhī(zhi1)
1fat
2rouge (cosmetics)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 脂
脂Simplified
10Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8404Frequency Rank
Podcast: 脂
Podcast: 脂
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AI Study Notes for 脂
Quick Contrast
脂 (fat) vs 油 (oil) — use 脂 when referring to animal fat or a richer texture, while 油 typically refers to cooking oils or liquid fats.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef (representing 脂) pouring thick, greasy fat from a large pot, making a mess. The character has the radical for 'flesh' (肉), hinting at its connection to fat, while the sound 'zhī' can be remembered by thinking of a chef saying 'Gooey!' as they handle the fat.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 脂 with similar words for oil or fat, such as 油 (yóu). It is essential to note that 脂 has a more specific connotation related to rich, animal-derived fats. This word is more common in formal contexts, particularly in cooking or cosmetics, and should be used accordingly.
HSK Study Tips
Although 脂 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to food-related terms like 油 (oil) and 肉 (meat) at HSK Level 2 and 3. Students focusing on culinary vocabulary should practice using it in sentences related to cooking or skincare.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the quality of fat in meats is highly valued, influencing dishes like braised pork belly, where the balance of fat and meat is crucial. This appreciation for fat is also reflected in traditional Chinese medicine, which views it as essential for energy.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 脂 with 油 (yóu), thinking they are interchangeable. A common mistake is saying '我喜欢油' (I like oil) when discussing cosmetics, instead of '我喜欢脂' (I like rouge).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脂
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Grammar Patterns of 脂
脂 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 4 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
不断有人提醒我们要减少____肪的摄入量。
We are constantly being reminded to cut down our fat intake.
Example Sentences for 脂 (10)
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1
不断有人提醒我们要减少脂肪的摄入量。
bù duàn yǒu rén tí xǐng wǒ mén yào jiǎn shǎo zhī fáng de shè rù liáng。
We are constantly being reminded to cut down our fat intake.
2
将胭脂调匀涂在你脸颊红润的地方。
jiāng yān zhī tiáo yún tú zài nǐ liǎn jiá hóng rùn de dì fāng。
Dust and blend blusher on the apples of your cheeks.
The body is made up primarily of bone, muscle, and fat.
9
我们的骨髓中含有小球状的脂肪。
wǒ mén de gǔ suǐ zhōng hán yǒu xiǎo qiú zhuàng de zhī fáng。
Our bone marrow contains fat in the form of small globules.
10
她回来时,两边面颊上涂有一点淡淡的胭脂.
tā huí lái shí, , liǎng biān miàn jiá shàng tú yǒu yī diǎn dàn dàn de yān.
She returned wearing a dab of rouge on each cheekbone.
Cultural Notes for 脂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, the quality of fat in meats is highly valued, influencing dishes like braised pork belly, where the balance of fat and meat is crucial. This appreciation for fat is also reflected in traditional Chinese medicine, which views it as essential for energy.
Word Family of 脂
Words Containing This Character20
脂肪zhīfángfat (in the body, in a plant, or in food)
脂zhīfat
油脂grease
树脂resin樹脂
脱脂to remove fat脫脂
脂肪酸fatty acid
血脂blood lipid
胭脂rouge
磷脂phospholipid
脂蛋白lipoprotein
琼脂agar瓊脂
脂肪肝fatty liver
不饱和脂肪酸unsaturated fatty acid不飽和脂肪酸
低脂low fat
脂粉cosmetics
卵磷脂lecithin (phospholipid found in egg yolk)
脂质体liposome (bilayer lipid vesicle)脂質體
皮脂腺skin oil gland
环氧树脂epoxy resin (chemistry)環氧樹脂
硬脂酸stearic acid
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 脂肪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 脂
Dishes like 红烧肉 (braised pork) and various stir-fries often incorporate fatty cuts of meat, highlighting the use of 脂.
Yes, 脂 can be used metaphorically to describe richness or abundance in various contexts, such as wealth.
It is less common in casual conversation and more likely found in cooking or cosmetic contexts.
