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March 24, 2026
姿zī(zi1)
The character 姿 (zī) refers to beauty, grace, and appearance, particularly in the context of physical looks or poise. It is often used to describe someone's demeanor or the elegance of their posture. In various contexts, it can also relate to the aesthetic quality of objects or art.
Strokes9Radical女Frequency#10773DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 姿 is significant, as beauty and grace are often associated with virtues and social status. It plays a role in art and poetry, where the depiction of beauty is celebrated.
Memory Tip
Imagine a graceful dancer striking a pose, her 姿 (zī) radiating beauty and elegance. The radical 女 (nǚ) meaning 'female' is present in this character, emphasizing the connection to beauty and feminine grace.
Meanings of 姿
zī(zi1)
1beauty
2disposition
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 姿
姿Simplified
9Strokes
女Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10773Frequency Rank
Podcast: 姿
Podcast: 姿
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AI Study Notes for 姿
Quick Contrast
姿态 (zītài) refers specifically to posture or stance, while 姿 (zī) emphasizes beauty and grace in appearance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a graceful dancer striking a pose, her 姿 (zī) radiating beauty and elegance. The radical 女 (nǚ) meaning 'female' is present in this character, emphasizing the connection to beauty and feminine grace.
Usage Notes
While 姿 can refer to beauty, it is often used in more formal or literary contexts. Common collocations include '姿势' (zīshì, posture) and '姿态' (zītài, attitude). Be careful with the tone; 'zī' has a high-level tone which can be mistaken with 'zī' in another context.
HSK Study Tips
Though not included in the HSK levels, 姿 can be associated with other vocabulary related to appearance and behavior. Students should focus on its usage in phrases and expressions to understand its nuances better.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 姿 is significant, as beauty and grace are often associated with virtues and social status. It plays a role in art and poetry, where the depiction of beauty is celebrated.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 姿 with similar-sounding characters like 知 (zhī, to know) due to their tonal similarities; ensure you practice the tone. A common mistake is saying '他的姿' which should be '他的姿态' (tā de zītài, his attitude).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 姿
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Grammar Patterns of 姿
姿 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 5 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.
You can make your stomach look flatter instantly by improving your posture.
10
她一下子摆出一副筋疲力尽的夸张姿势。
tā yī xià zǐ bǎi chū yī fù jīn pí lì jìn de kuā zhāng zī shì。
She'd flung herself in a pose of melodramatic exhaustion.
Cultural Notes for 姿
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 姿 is significant, as beauty and grace are often associated with virtues and social status. It plays a role in art and poetry, where the depiction of beauty is celebrated.
Word Family of 姿
Words Containing This Character17
姿势zīshìposture姿勢
姿态zītàiattitude姿態
姿zībeauty
舞姿dancer's posture and movement
多姿多彩diversity (of forms and colors)
姿色good looks (of a woman)
孙燕姿Stefanie Sun (1978-), Singaporean singer-songwriter孫燕姿
多姿many postures
风姿good looks風姿
千姿百态in thousands of postures (idiom)千姿百態
搔首弄姿to stroke one's hair coquettishly (idiom)
英姿飒爽to carry oneself tall英姿颯爽
姿容looks
丰姿charm
风姿绰约graceful風姿綽約
多彩多姿elegant and graceful posture
故作姿态to put on an act故作姿態
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 姿势 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 姿
You can use 姿 in a sentence like '她的姿态很优雅' (Tā de zītài hěn yōuyǎ), meaning 'Her posture is very elegant.'
Not necessarily; while it often refers to physical appearance, it can also describe one's demeanor or grace.
Common phrases include '姿势' (posture) and '姿态' (attitude).
