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March 24, 2026
咫zhǐ(zhi3)
The character 咫 (zhǐ) refers to an ancient unit of length used during the Zhou dynasty, specifically equivalent to about 8 inches. It is often used in literary or historical contexts to evoke the past and can symbolize distance or measurement in a figurative sense.
Strokes9Radical口Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, different units of measurement like 咫 played a significant role in trade and architecture, reflecting the advanced civilization of the Zhou dynasty. This character can be found in classical texts discussing geography or historical accounts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a ruler that is exactly 8 inches long, representing the character 咫. The '口' (kǒu) radical resembles an open mouth, suggesting 'to measure' while the '止' (zhǐ) component looks like a foot stepping forward, indicating a distance. Together, they remind you of measuring distance with your foot.
Meanings of 咫
zhǐ(zhi3)
1unit of length used during the Zhou dynasty
28 in. length unit of Zhou dynasty
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 咫
咫Simplified
9Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 咫
Podcast: 咫
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AI Study Notes for 咫
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a ruler that is exactly 8 inches long, representing the character 咫. The '口' (kǒu) radical resembles an open mouth, suggesting 'to measure' while the '止' (zhǐ) component looks like a foot stepping forward, indicating a distance. Together, they remind you of measuring distance with your foot.
Usage Notes
咫 is rarely used in modern conversation and is more common in classical literature. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words or characters like '指' (zhǐ), which means 'to point.' This character is more formal and should be used in literary contexts.
HSK Study Tips
While 咫 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other historical terms and measurements. Students should focus on understanding how ancient measures relate to modern concepts of distance.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, different units of measurement like 咫 played a significant role in trade and architecture, reflecting the advanced civilization of the Zhou dynasty. This character can be found in classical texts discussing geography or historical accounts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 咫 with other measurement-related characters like '寸' (cùn) or '米' (mǐ). For example, saying '我有五咫的长度' (Wǒ yǒu wǔ zhǐ de chángdù) is incorrect; it should be '我有五寸的长度' (Wǒ yǒu wǔ cùn de chángdù) for modern measurements.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 咫
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Grammar Patterns of 咫
咫 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 3
Complete the Sentence
他意识到阿富汗人近在____尺。
He became aware of the proximity of the Afghans.
Example Sentences for 咫 (2)
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1
他意识到阿富汗人近在咫尺。
tā yì shí dào ā fù hàn rén jìn zài zhǐ chǐ。
He became aware of the proximity of the Afghans.
2
想不到我们又遇见了;天涯原咫尺, 此地又逢君.
xiǎng bù dào wǒ mén yòu yù jiàn le; ; tiān yá yuán zhǐ, chǐ , cǐ dì yòu.
The world is but a little place, after all.
Cultural Notes for 咫
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, different units of measurement like 咫 played a significant role in trade and architecture, reflecting the advanced civilization of the Zhou dynasty. This character can be found in classical texts discussing geography or historical accounts.
Word Family of 咫
Words Containing This Character4
近在咫尺to be almost within reach
咫尺very close
咫尺天涯so close, yet worlds apart (idiom)
咫zhǐ8 in. length unit of Zhou dynasty
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 近在咫尺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 咫
No, it is primarily used in historical or literary contexts.
It is pronounced as 'zhǐ' with a falling tone.
It can symbolize distance or the concept of approaching something.
