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帜 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
帜zhìflagzg, 8 strokes, radical 巾, rank #48920, Very Hard
帜zhìflag, pennant, sign; to fastenzg, 8 strokes, radical 巾, rank #48920, Very Hard
zhì(zhi4)zhi T4
  1. 1flag
  2. 2flag, pennant, sign; to fasten
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March 24, 2026

帜(幟)zhì(zhi4)

The character 帜 (zhì) primarily means 'flag' or 'pennant,' often used in military or ceremonial contexts. It also conveys the idea of a sign or marker, symbolizing authority or identity. In some contexts, it can mean to fasten or secure, indicating a connection or attachment to a particular cause or group.

Strokes8Radical巾Frequency#48920DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The use of flags in Chinese culture is deeply rooted in history, often seen in military parades and significant political events. Flags symbolize not only national pride but also cultural identity, as seen in festivals where various flags represent different localities or groups.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large flag (帜) waving atop a mountain peak, symbolizing victory and unity. The radical '巾' (cloth) suggests something that can be draped, while the '支' part can be thought of as a pole holding the flag aloft, emphasizing its role as a standard.

Meanings of 帜

zhì(zhi4)
1flag
2flag, pennant, sign; to fasten
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 帜

帜Simplified
幟Traditional
8Strokes
巾Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#48920Frequency Rank

Podcast: 帜

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Podcast: 帜

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AI Study Notes for 帜

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 帜 with similar characters like 纸 (paper) or 支 (to support), as they have different meanings and pronunciations. This word is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation, typically appearing in literature or formal documents. Common collocations include '军旗' (military flag) and '旗帜鲜明' (clear stance or position).

HSK Study Tips

Although 帜 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of related terms and concepts associated with flags and symbols. Focus on its usage in historical and military contexts, which might help you connect it to other HSK Level 4 or 5 vocabulary related to identity and representation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 帜 with banners or signs, using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢这个帜' (I like this flag) instead of using the more appropriate flag word in context like '我喜欢这个国旗' (I like this national flag).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 帜

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Etymology of 帜

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

Phonosemantic compound. 巾 represents the meaning and 只 represents the sound. Simplified form of 幟.

Memory Hint

curtain

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

Origin

帜 = 巾 + 只. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 帜

IDS Structure⿰巾只
帜Full Character
=
巾jin1
left
只zhi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 帜?

How to say flag in Chinese

“flag” in Chinese is帜zhì

The character 帜 (zhì) primarily means 'flag' or 'pennant,' often used in military or ceremonial contexts. It also conveys the idea of a sign or marker, symbolizing authority or identity. In some contexts, it can mean to fasten or secure, indicating a connection or attachment to a particular cause or group.

When to use 帜

Be cautious not to confuse 帜 with similar characters like 纸 (paper) or 支 (to support), as they have different meanings and pronunciations. This word is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation, typically appearing in literature or formal documents. Common collocations include '军旗' (military flag) and '旗帜鲜明' (clear stance or position).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 帜 with banners or signs, using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢这个帜' (I like this flag) instead of using the more appropriate flag word in context like '我喜欢这个国旗' (I like this national flag).

Write 帜

帜

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

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Cultural Notes for 帜

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, flags are commonly associated with nationalism and patriotism, while in China, they also carry a strong connection to historical and revolutionary movements, representing collective identity rather than just individual nations.

Word Family of 帜

Words Containing This Character6
旗帜qízhìensign旗幟
独树一帜to stand out獨樹一幟
旗帜鲜明to show one's colors旗幟鮮明
帜zhìflag幟
别树一帜to stand out別樹一幟
徽帜banner徽幟
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 帜

What does 旗帜 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 帜

It is pronounced as 'zhì' with a falling tone.

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