unknown, 6 strokes, radical 艹, rank #23557, Very Hard
zhī(zhi1) T1
1sesame; a magical mushroom
2Zoysia pungens
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March 24, 2026
芝zhī(zhi1)
The character 芝 (zhī) primarily refers to 'sesame,' a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known for its nutty flavor and health benefits. It can also denote a type of magical mushroom, often associated with myths and folklore. In botany, it refers to 'Zoysia pungens,' a type of grass, highlighting its use in agricultural contexts.
Strokes6Radical艹Frequency#23557DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sesame seeds are not only used in food but also symbolize good luck and wealth. They are often seen in festivals and special dishes, emphasizing their cultural significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sesame seed (芝) sprouting into a magical mushroom, with the seed representing the shape of the character. The top part resembles a sprouting bud, making it easy to remember that it's related to plants and growth.
Meanings of 芝
zhī(zhi1)
1sesame; a magical mushroom
2Zoysia pungens
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 芝
芝Simplified
6Strokes
艹Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 芝
Podcast: 芝
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AI Study Notes for 芝
Usage Notes
When using 芝, it's important to note that it is often found in culinary contexts, so pay attention to food-related phrases. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you practice the tones. This character is typically used in neutral or formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Though 芝 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other food-related terms at this level, enhancing your understanding of Chinese cuisine. Focus on its uses in cooking and how to pair it with other ingredients.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 芝 with other similar-sounding characters like 纸 (zhǐ, paper) or 知 (zhī, to know). A common error is writing 芝 when intending to write 纸; remember that 芝 relates to plants and food.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 芝
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Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 之 represents the sound.
1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
2The sound half之 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayplant
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 芝? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 芝?
Decomposition of 芝
IDS Structure⿱艹之
芝Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
之zhi1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 芝?
How to say sesame; a magical mushroom in Chinese
“sesame; a magical mushroom” in Chinese is芝zhī
The character 芝 (zhī) primarily refers to 'sesame,' a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known for its nutty flavor and health benefits. It can also denote a type of magical mushroom, often associated with myths and folklore. In botany, it refers to 'Zoysia pungens,' a type of grass, highlighting its use in agricultural contexts.
When to use 芝
When using 芝, it's important to note that it is often found in culinary contexts, so pay attention to food-related phrases. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you practice the tones. This character is typically used in neutral or formal contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 芝 with other similar-sounding characters like 纸 (zhǐ, paper) or 知 (zhī, to know). A common error is writing 芝 when intending to write 纸; remember that 芝 relates to plants and food.
Write 芝
芝
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Practice writing 芝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 芝
芝 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 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
____加哥有6所颇负盛名的研究生院和专业院校。
Chicago has 6 graduate and professional schools of high repute.
