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制 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
制zhìsystemHSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
制zhìto controlHSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
制zhìto regulateHSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
制zhì>制[zhì]HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
制zhìto manufactureHSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
制zhìto makeHSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
制zhìsystem; to establish; to manufacture; to overpowerHSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刂, rank #3291, Hard
zhì(zhi4) T4
  1. 1system
  2. 2to control
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 制

制Simplified
8Strokes
刂Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3291Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 制

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Podcast: 制

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

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.

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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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Etymology of 制

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Depicts cutting down a tree (木) with a knife (刂).

Memory Hint

knife

Semantic (meaning)刂
+
Phonetic (sound)巾
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 制?

Decomposition of 制

IDS Structure⿰⿻？巾刂
制Full Character
=
巾jin1
outer
刂dao1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 制?

Write 制

制

Practice writing 制 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

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 7 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.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

这场悲剧的____造者非你非我，另有他人。

The one who caused this tragedy is neither you nor me — there is someone else.

Common Confusions with 制

制vs製
zhì

Variant form of 制; both share the same pronunciation but differ in usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "system"?

or

Example Sentences for 制 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们强烈感受到他们的宗教信仰与政治体制不相称。

tā mén qiáng liè gǎn shòu dào tā mén de zōng jiào xìn yǎng yǔ zhèng zhì tǐ zhì bù xiāng chēng。

They feel strongly that their religion is incompatible with the political system.
2
奥尔特曼制造的一些紧张氛围开始缓解。

ào ěr tè màn zhì zào de yī xiē jǐn zhāng fēn wéi kāi shǐ huǎn jiě。

Some of the tension Altman builds up starts to sag.
3
用这种方法控制你的狗不起作用。

yòng zhè zhǒng fāng fǎ kòng zhì nǐ de gǒu bù qǐ zuò yòng。

This is an ineffective method of controlling your dog.
4
你也可以按照自己的要求定制家具。

nǐ yě kě yǐ àn zhào zì jǐ de yào qiú dìng zhì jiā jù。

Furniture can also be custom-made to suit your own requirements.
5
制作摇滚唱片并不要求你非得绝顶聪明。

zhì zuò yáo gǔn chàng piàn bìng bù yào qiú nǐ fēi dé jué dǐng cōng míng。

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a rock record.
6
要参与这个节目的制作，你得够大胆。

yào cān yǔ zhè gè jié mù de zhì zuò， ， nǐ dé gòu dà。

To work on this show you've got to have balls.
7
你相信人类并非本来就是一夫一妻制的吗？

nǐ xiāng xìn rén lèi bìng fēi běn lái jiù shì yī fū yī qī zhì de ma？

Do you believe that men are not naturally monogamous?
8
他们最终的目标是为匈牙利建立起市场经济体制。

tā mén zuì zhōng de mù biāo shì wéi xiōng yá lì jiàn lì qǐ shì cháng jīng jì tǐ zhì。

Their ultimate aim was a market economy for Hungary.
9
一些最高档的酒杯是用铅晶质玻璃制成的。

yī xiē zuì gāo dàng de jiǔ bēi shì yòng qiān jīng zhì bō lí zhì chéng de。

Some of the finest drinking glasses are made from lead crystal.
10
制造商之间的恶性价格战已将利润削减到了最低。

zhì zào shāng zhī jiān de è xìng jià gé zhàn yǐ jiāng lì rùn xiāo jiǎn dào le zuì dī。

A vicious price war between manufacturers has cut margins to the bone.

Cultural Notes for 制

🏮Cultural insight

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.

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

Compound Meaning

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.