system; to establish; to manufacture; to overpower
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
zhì(zhi4)zhi T4
1system
2to control
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March 24, 2026
制zhì(zhi4)
The character 制 (zhì) primarily means 'to control' or 'to regulate.' It is often used in contexts related to systems, governance, or manufacturing. This character conveys a sense of establishing order or creating something through deliberate action.
Strokes8Radical刂Frequency#3291DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of 制 (zhì) is significant in governance, reflecting the importance of laws and regulations in maintaining social order. The character is often seen in discussions about statecraft and the philosophical teachings of Confucius.
Memory Tip
Imagine a conductor (zhì) controlling an orchestra, ensuring that every instrument is in harmony. The character 制 has the radical for 'to stop' (制) on the left, symbolizing control, while the right suggests creation, reminiscent of a craftsman making something refined.
Meanings of 制
zhì(zhi4)
1system
2to control
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 制
制Simplified
8Strokes
刂Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3291Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 制
Podcast: 制
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AI Study Notes for 制
Quick Contrast
制 (zhì) vs 控 (kòng) — use 制 when emphasizing regulation or establishment, while 控 focuses more on control or restraint.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 制 (zhì) with other similar-sounding characters like 只 (zhǐ), which means 'only.' This character is more formal and often appears in written language, such as laws or regulations. Common collocations include 制定 (zhìdìng, to formulate) and 制造 (zhìzào, to manufacture).
HSK Study Tips
Although 制 (zhì) is not included in the current HSK levels, it relates to concepts at HSK 4 and above, where learners encounter more complex words about governance and systems. Focus on its usage in formal writing and combine it with other characters to expand vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 制 (zhì) in informal contexts where simpler words like 管 (guǎn, to manage) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我制这个活动' (Wǒ zhì zhège huódòng) for 'I manage this event' is incorrect; it should be '我管理这个活动' (Wǒ guǎnlǐ zhège huódòng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 制
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制 = 刂 + 巾. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 制
IDS Structure⿰⿻？巾刂
制Full Character
=
巾jin1
outer
刂dao1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 制?
How to say system in Chinese
“system” in Chinese is制zhì
The character 制 (zhì) primarily means 'to control' or 'to regulate.' It is often used in contexts related to systems, governance, or manufacturing. This character conveys a sense of establishing order or creating something through deliberate action.
When to use 制
Be careful not to confuse 制 (zhì) with other similar-sounding characters like 只 (zhǐ), which means 'only.' This character is more formal and often appears in written language, such as laws or regulations. Common collocations include 制定 (zhìdìng, to formulate) and 制造 (zhìzào, to manufacture).
制 or something close to it
制 (zhì) vs 控 (kòng) — use 制 when emphasizing regulation or establishment, while 控 focuses more on control or restraint.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 制 (zhì) in informal contexts where simpler words like 管 (guǎn, to manage) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我制这个活动' (Wǒ zhì zhège huódòng) for 'I manage this event' is incorrect; it should be '我管理这个活动' (Wǒ guǎnlǐ zhège huódòng).
Write 制
制
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Practice writing 制 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 制
制 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 6 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.
Scientists are researching new immune systems to combat new viruses.
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Word Family of 制
Compounds2
掣che4to pull, to drag; to hinder, to pull back
製zhi4system; to establish; to manufacture; to overpower
Words Containing This Character20
控制kòngzhìcontrol
制度zhìdùinstitution
制造zhìzàoto make製造
制作zhìzuòto make製作
制zhìsystem
限制xiànzhìto restrict
制定zhìdìngto draw up
机制jīzhìmachine made機製
制服zhìfúto subdue
体制tǐzhìsystem體制
复制fùzhìto duplicate複製
抑制yìzhìto inhibit
强制qiángzhìto enforce強制
制止zhìzhǐto curb
编制biānzhìto weave編製
研制yánzhìto manufacture研製
法制fǎzhìlegal system and institutions
制品zhìpǐnproducts製品
制约zhìyuēto restrict制約
管制control
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 制
What does 掣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 制
Some common phrases that include 制 (zhì) are 制定 (zhìdìng, to formulate) and 制约 (zhìyuē, to constrain). These phrases highlight the character's meanings related to setting rules or controls.
制 (zhì) and 製 (zhì) share similar pronunciations but have different meanings. 制 generally refers to control or regulation, while 製 specifically relates to manufacturing or production. Understanding the context is key to using these characters correctly.
制 (zhì) means 'to control' or 'to regulate.' It can also refer to a 'system' and is a variant of the character 製. This character is used in various contexts related to control and regulation.
To use 制 (zhì) in a sentence, you can say something like '我们需要制订一个计划' (Wǒmen xūyào zhìdìng yīgè jìhuà), which means 'We need to formulate a plan.' This demonstrates its meaning of regulating or controlling a process.
制 (zhì) means to control or regulate, while 制造 (zhìzào) specifically refers to the act of manufacturing or producing something.
Yes, but it is more commonly found in formal contexts, like laws or policies, rather than casual conversation.
Synonyms include 控制 (kòngzhì, to control) and 规定 (guīdìng, to stipulate).
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