HSK 5, ng, 12 strokes, radical 日, rank #6104, Hard
智
zhì
knowledge
HSK 5, ng, 12 strokes, radical 日, rank #6104, Hard
智
zhì
wisdom, knowledge, intelligence
HSK 5, ng, 12 strokes, radical 日, rank #6104, Hard
zhì(zhi4)zhi T4
1wisdom
2knowledge
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
智zhì(zhi4)
The character 智 (zhì) means wisdom or intelligence, often referring to the ability to think critically and make sound decisions. It is commonly used in contexts that emphasize knowledge, insight, and cleverness, such as in education or philosophy.
Strokes12Radical日Frequency#6104DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wisdom is highly valued, often associated with Confucian ideals. The concept of 智 is frequently invoked in sayings and proverbs that emphasize moral integrity and the importance of making wise choices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old sage (智) sitting under a tree, contemplating the secrets of the universe. The character looks like a person (the top part) with a heart (the bottom part), symbolizing that true wisdom comes from both intellect and compassion.
Meanings of 智
zhì(zhi4)
1wisdom
2knowledge
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 智 means.
About 智
智Simplified
12Strokes
日Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#6104Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 智
Podcast: 智
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 智
Quick Contrast
聪 (cōng) - use 智 (zhì) when emphasizing wisdom or critical thinking, while 聪 (cōng) focuses more on quickness of understanding or cleverness in a more immediate sense.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 智 with 知 (zhī), which means to know. While both characters relate to knowledge, 智 emphasizes wisdom and intelligence. This word is more formal and is often found in philosophical or academic contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 智 is not an HSK Level 1 word, it connects with other words related to knowledge and learning, such as 学 (xué, to learn) and 知识 (zhīshì, knowledge). Focus on using it in sentences that reflect thoughtful reasoning or insight.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 智 with 知 (zhī) when writing or speaking. For example, saying '我有智' (wǒ yǒu zhì) incorrectly implies 'I have wisdom' instead of 'I know' which should use 知. The correct phrase would be '我知道' (wǒ zhīdào).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 智
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 智 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 智 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 智?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 智 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 智 (zhì) means wisdom or intelligence, often referring to the ability to think critically and make sound decisions. It is commonly used in contexts that emphasize knowledge, insight, and cleverness, such as in education or philosophy.
When to use 智
Be careful not to confuse 智 with 知 (zhī), which means to know. While both characters relate to knowledge, 智 emphasizes wisdom and intelligence. This word is more formal and is often found in philosophical or academic contexts.
智 or something close to it
聪 (cōng) - use 智 (zhì) when emphasizing wisdom or critical thinking, while 聪 (cōng) focuses more on quickness of understanding or cleverness in a more immediate sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 智 with 知 (zhī) when writing or speaking. For example, saying '我有智' (wǒ yǒu zhì) incorrectly implies 'I have wisdom' instead of 'I know' which should use 知. The correct phrase would be '我知道' (wǒ zhīdào).
Write 智
智
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 智 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 智
智 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 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
桑塔格一直是那种兼具美貌与____慧的人中龙凤。
Sontag has always been that rarity, a glamorous intellectual.
Common Confusions with 智
智vs治
zhì
Similar in pronunciation but with a different meaning.
智vs知
zhī
Similar pronunciation and often related in meaning to knowledge.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “wisdom”?
or
Example Sentences for 智 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
桑塔格一直是那种兼具美貌与智慧的人中龙凤。
sāng tǎ gé yī zhí shì nà zhǒng jiān jù měi mào yǔ zhì huì de rén zhōng lóng fèng。
Sontag has always been that rarity, a glamorous intellectual.
It makes sense to eat a reasonably balanced diet when slimming.
10
在挑选长筒靴的时候，购买上等的好皮靴将是明智的选择。
zài tiāo xuǎn cháng tǒng xuē de shí hòu， ， gòu mǎi shàng děng de hǎo pí xuē jiāng shì míng zhì de xuǎn。
When selecting boots, fine, quality leather will be a wise investment.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 智?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 智
Compounds1
潪
Words Containing This Character20
智慧zhìhuìwisdom
理智lǐzhìreason
智能zhìnéngable
智zhìwisdom
明智míngzhìsensible
智力zhìlìintelligence
智商zhìshāngIQ (intelligence quotient)
弱智weak-minded
智利Chile
心智wisdom
机智jīzhìquick-witted機智
睿智wise and farsighted
智者sage
神智mind
人工智能réngōngzhìnéngartificial intelligence (AI)
才智ability and wisdom
聪明才智intelligence and wisdom聰明才智
益智to grow the intellect
明智之举sensible act明智之舉
智囊团think tank智囊團
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 智
What does 智慧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 智
Common phrases that include 智 are 智慧 (zhìhuì), meaning wisdom, and 智力 (zhìlì), meaning intelligence. These phrases are often used in educational or philosophical discussions.
智 (zhì) refers to wisdom and intelligence, while 知 (zhī) means to know or be aware of something. While both characters relate to knowledge, 智 emphasizes the application and depth of understanding, whereas 知 focuses on mere awareness.
智 (zhì) means wisdom or intelligence in Chinese. It encompasses both the concepts of knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge effectively. This character is often used in contexts related to intellect, understanding, and insight.
智 can be used in various contexts to convey wisdom or intelligence. For example, you can say '他很有智慧' (tā hěn yǒu zhìhuì), meaning 'He is very wise.' It's a versatile character that can fit into discussions about knowledge and understanding.
You can say 智者无敌 (zhì zhě wú dí), meaning 'the wise are invincible,' highlighting the power of wisdom.
It is not commonly used in casual conversation but appears more in formal writing or discussions about intelligence and philosophy.
Synonyms include 聪明 (cōngmíng, clever) and 明智 (míngzhì, wise).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 智?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
