HSK 7, rg, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #3060, Very Hard
zī(zi1) T1
1now, here; this; time, year
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March 24, 2026
兹(茲)zī(zi1)
The character 兹 (zī) primarily means 'now' or 'this,' and it is often used in a formal or literary context. It can also refer to time or a specific year, making it relevant in discussions about dates or events. Its usage is typically seen in written Chinese, especially in legal or official documents.
Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#3060DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In legal documents and formal announcements, 兹 is often used to denote the present time or to introduce important statements. Understanding this character can help learners navigate Chinese bureaucracy and official communications more effectively.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock with the hands pointing at the current time, symbolizing 'now.' The character 兹 resembles a person holding a document (the lines at the bottom) that emphasizes the importance of 'this' moment in time. Picture someone saying, 'This is the time!' as they glance at the clock.
Meanings of 兹
zī(zi1)
1now, here; this; time, year
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 兹
兹Simplified
茲Traditional
9Strokes
艹Radical
代词dàicípronoun (pron.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 兹
Podcast: 兹
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AI Study Notes for 兹
Usage Notes
兹 is more commonly found in formal writing, so avoid using it in casual conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more everyday term '现在' (xiànzài) for 'now.' Remember that 兹 is usually followed by a noun or phrase indicating what is being referred to as 'this.'
HSK Study Tips
While 兹 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for advanced learners to recognize it in formal texts. Students should focus on its context and usage in written language to enhance their understanding of formal Chinese.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 兹 interchangeably with 现在 (xiànzài), which is incorrect in formal contexts. For instance, saying '兹是一个好日子' (This is a good day) is awkward; use '今天是一个好日子' (Today is a good day) instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 兹
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Decomposition of 兹
IDS Structure⿳八一⿰幺幺
兹Full Character
=
八ba1
top
一yi1
middle
幺Yao1
left
幺Yao1
right
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 兹?
How to say now, here; this; time, year in Chinese
“now, here; this; time, year” in Chinese is兹zī
The character 兹 (zī) primarily means 'now' or 'this,' and it is often used in a formal or literary context. It can also refer to time or a specific year, making it relevant in discussions about dates or events. Its usage is typically seen in written Chinese, especially in legal or official documents.
When to use 兹
兹 is more commonly found in formal writing, so avoid using it in casual conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more everyday term '现在' (xiànzài) for 'now.' Remember that 兹 is usually followed by a noun or phrase indicating what is being referred to as 'this.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 兹 interchangeably with 现在 (xiànzài), which is incorrect in formal contexts. For instance, saying '兹是一个好日子' (This is a good day) is awkward; use '今天是一个好日子' (Today is a good day) instead.
Write 兹
兹
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Practice writing 兹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 兹
兹 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
