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March 24, 2026
掷(擲)zhì(zhi4)
The character 掷 (zhì) means to toss or throw something, often used in contexts like throwing dice or hurling an object. It conveys a sense of forceful release and is commonly associated with games or actions that require a throwing motion.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#9217DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dice games have historical significance, often played during festivals or gatherings, highlighting the social aspect of games and chance. The act of throwing dice is also tied to fortune-telling traditions.
Memory Tip
Think of a jester (who 'zhìs' around) tossing dice in a game of chance. The left part '扌' (hand) indicates an action performed with the hand, while '摷' suggests the motion involved in throwing.
Meanings of 掷
zhì(zhi4)
1to toss
2to throw dice
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 掷
掷Simplified
擲Traditional
11Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9217Frequency Rank
Podcast: 掷
Podcast: 掷
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AI Study Notes for 掷
Quick Contrast
掷 (zhì) vs 投 (tóu) — use 掷 for forceful throws, while 投 is more about gentle throwing or casting.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a jester (who 'zhìs' around) tossing dice in a game of chance. The left part '扌' (hand) indicates an action performed with the hand, while '摷' suggests the motion involved in throwing.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 掷 (zhì) with similar-sounding words like 直 (zhí), which means straight. This word is more formal, so it's often used in written contexts or when discussing games; common collocations include 掷骰子 (to throw dice).
HSK Study Tips
Although not an HSK level character, 掷 could be paired with other action verbs at HSK 3 or 4, helping students expand their vocabulary related to physical actions. Focus on practicing its use in sentences involving games or sports.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dice games have historical significance, often played during festivals or gatherings, highlighting the social aspect of games and chance. The act of throwing dice is also tied to fortune-telling traditions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 掷 (zhì) with 投 (tóu) and use it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我想投骰子' (I want to throw dice) is common, but the correct phrase should use 掷: '我想掷骰子'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掷
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Grammar Patterns of 掷
掷 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
整个山谷里巨石翻滚，就像有巨人在狂扔乱____。
A whole valley of boulders tossed higgledy-piggledy as though by some giant.
A throw of the dice allows a player to move himself forward.
Cultural Notes for 掷
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, dice games have historical significance, often played during festivals or gatherings, highlighting the social aspect of games and chance. The act of throwing dice is also tied to fortune-telling traditions.
Word Family of 掷
Words Containing This Character9
掷zhìto toss擲
投掷tóuzhìto hurl投擲
孤注一掷to stake all on one throw孤注一擲
一掷千金extravagant一擲千金
掷地有声to have substance擲地有聲
抛掷to throw拋擲
掷骰子to throw the dice擲骰子
掷还please return (an item sent in the mail)擲還
千金一掷extravagant千金一擲
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 掷 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掷
Both mean to throw, but 掷 (zhì) is more about tossing or throwing with force, often in games, while 投 (tóu) can mean to throw or cast in a broader sense, like throwing a ball.
The standard pronunciation is zhì, with a falling tone. In some regions like Taiwan, it can be pronounced zhí, which is important to note.
It's more commonly used in specific contexts, such as games or sports, rather than in everyday conversation. You might hear it in discussions about playing games.
