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March 24, 2026
挚(摯)zhì(Zhi4)
The character 挚 (zhì) conveys a sense of sincerity and warmth. It is often used to describe feelings or expressions that are heartfelt, genuine, and cordial. In addition to its emotional connotation, it can also be a surname in Chinese culture.
Strokes10Radical手Frequency#44664DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of sincerity is highly valued in relationships, both personal and professional. Using the word 挚 to describe someone or something emphasizes the importance of genuine connections in society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a warm, heartfelt hug (the meaning of 'sincere') with hands (the radical 扌 indicating action) holding tightly. This visual of a hug can help you remember the pronunciation 'zhì', as it sounds like 'tight' in English, connecting to the close nature of a sincere embrace.
Meanings of 挚
zhì(Zhi4)
1sincere
2sincere, warm, cordial; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 挚
挚Simplified
摯Traditional
10Strokes
手Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#44664Frequency Rank
Podcast: 挚
Podcast: 挚
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AI Study Notes for 挚
Quick Contrast
真 (zhēn) — use 挚 (zhì) for emotional warmth or sincerity, while 真 (zhēn) emphasizes truthfulness or authenticity.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 挚 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as 志 (zhì, ambition). It is typically used in more formal contexts when discussing feelings or relationships, such as in phrases like '挚友' (zhìyǒu, close friend).
HSK Study Tips
While 挚 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to common HSK words related to emotions and relationships. Focus on using it in contexts involving friendship or heartfelt expressions to better understand its application.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 挚 interchangeably with 志 or 直, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我对他很志' instead of '我对他很挚' (I am very sincere with him) is incorrect; the correct phrase emphasizes sincerity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挚
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1The giveawayTo shake 执 hands 手; 执 also provides the pronunciation
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 挚? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 挚?
Decomposition of 挚
IDS Structure⿱执手
挚Full Character
=
执zhi2
top
手shou3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 挚?
How to say sincere in Chinese
“sincere” in Chinese is挚zhì
The character 挚 (zhì) conveys a sense of sincerity and warmth. It is often used to describe feelings or expressions that are heartfelt, genuine, and cordial. In addition to its emotional connotation, it can also be a surname in Chinese culture.
When to use 挚
Be careful not to confuse 挚 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as 志 (zhì, ambition). It is typically used in more formal contexts when discussing feelings or relationships, such as in phrases like '挚友' (zhìyǒu, close friend).
挚 or something close to it
真 (zhēn) — use 挚 (zhì) for emotional warmth or sincerity, while 真 (zhēn) emphasizes truthfulness or authenticity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 挚 interchangeably with 志 or 直, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我对他很志' instead of '我对他很挚' (I am very sincere with him) is incorrect; the correct phrase emphasizes sincerity.
Write 挚
挚
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Practice writing 挚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 挚
挚 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
一名警察不慎一枪打死了他的两个____友。
A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.
Example Sentences for 挚 (6)
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1
一名警察不慎一枪打死了他的两个挚友。
yī míng jǐng chá bù shèn yī qiāng dǎ sǐ le tā de liǎng gè zhì yǒu。
A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.
2
他们俩的脸上都流露出真挚友好的表情。
tā mén liǎng de liǎn shàng dū liú lòu chū zhēn zhì yǒu hǎo de biǎo qíng。
There was a sincere expression of friendliness on both their faces.
