Meanings of 執
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About 執
Podcast: 執
Podcast: 執
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AI Study Notes for 執
握 (wò) vs 拿 (ná) — use 執 (zhí) when emphasizing adherence to principles or authority, while 握 (wò) focuses on the act of holding something tightly, and 拿 (ná) refers to taking or holding in a more general sense.
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 執 (zhí), as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal or official documents, and may appear in phrases like 執行 (zhíxíng, to execute). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
Although 執 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK vocabulary that describes actions and responsibilities. Students should focus on the context of execution and holding, linking it to other action-related verbs like 做 (zuò, to do) and 持 (chí, to hold).
Learners often confuse 執 with similar characters, leading to mistakes like saying '執去' (zhí qù, to hold and go) instead of correctly expressing the intended action. Ensure to use it in the right context to convey the meaning of holding or executing.
Pronunciation of 執
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Etymology of 執
Simplified form of 執. Pictograph of a person with hands (丮) bound by shackles (㚔).
A hand 幸 clutching a pebble 丸
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Case file: 執
Simplified form of 執. Pictograph of a person with hands (丮) bound by shackles (㚔).
- 1The giveawayA hand 幸 clutching a pebble 丸
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 執? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 執
Identify the Components
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How to say to execute; to grasp, to hold; to keep; to sieze, to detain in Chinese
“to execute; to grasp, to hold; to keep; to sieze, to detain” in Chinese is執
The character 執 (zhí) encompasses several meanings related to holding or grasping something. It can refer to the physical act of holding an object, as well as metaphorical meanings like executing a task or adhering to principles. This character is often used in contexts involving control, commitment, or authority.
When to use 執
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 執 (zhí), as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal or official documents, and may appear in phrases like 執行 (zhíxíng, to execute). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
執 or something close to it
握 (wò) vs 拿 (ná) — use 執 (zhí) when emphasizing adherence to principles or authority, while 握 (wò) focuses on the act of holding something tightly, and 拿 (ná) refers to taking or holding in a more general sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 執 with similar characters, leading to mistakes like saying '執去' (zhí qù, to hold and go) instead of correctly expressing the intended action. Ensure to use it in the right context to convey the meaning of holding or executing.
Write 執
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Practice writing 執 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 執
Compound Meaning
What does 执行 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 執
Common phrases include 執行 (zhíxíng, to execute) and 執著 (zhízhú, to be persistent or attached).
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