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智 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
智
zhì
wisdom
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
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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
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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
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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
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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 (14)
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 yìzhí shì nà zhǒng jiān jù měi mào yǔ zhìhuì de rén zhōng lóngfèng。
Sontag has always been that rarity, a glamorous intellectual.
2
才智不是生活中最重要的东西。
cái zhì bùshì shēnghuó zhōng zuì zhòngyào de dōngxi。
The intellect is not the most important thing in life.
3
他们过于谨慎也许是明智的。
tāmen guòyú jǐnshèn yěxǔ shì míngzhì de。
They may be wise to err on the side of caution.
4
当然，识字和智力是两码事。
dāngrán， shízì hé zhìlì shì liǎng mǎ shì。
Of course, literacy isn't the same thing as intelligence.
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 tiāoxuǎn cháng tǒng xuē de shíhou， gòumǎi shàng děng de hǎo pí xuē jiāng shì míngzhì de xuǎnzé。
When selecting boots, fine, quality leather will be a wise investment.
11
他的智慧使他在困难中保持冷静和理智。
Tā de zhìhuì shǐ tā zài kùnnán zhōng bǎochí lěngjìng hé lǐzhì.
His wisdom allows him to stay calm and rational in difficult times.
12
智慧是经验和反思的结晶。
Zhìhuì shì jīngyàn hé fǎnsī de jiéjīng.
Wisdom is the crystallization of experience and reflection.
13
她用智慧化解了这次危机，赢得了大家的尊重。
Tā yòng zhìhuì huàjiěle zhè cì wēijī, yíngdéle dàjiā de zūnzhòng.
She resolved the crisis with wisdom and earned everyone's respect.
14
在领导中，智慧往往比力量更为重要。
Zài lǐngdǎo zhōng, zhìhuì wǎngwǎng bǐ lìliàng gèng wéi zhòngyào.
In leadership, wisdom is often more important than strength.
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Word Family of 智
Compounds1
潪zhè
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ruòzhìweak-minded
智利zhìlìChile
心智xīnzhìwisdom
机智jīzhìquick-witted機智
睿智ruìzhìwise and farsighted
智者zhìzhěsage
神智shénzhìmind
人工智能réngōngzhìnéngartificial intelligence (AI)
才智cáizhìability and wisdom
聪明才智cōngmingcáizhìintelligence and wisdom聰明才智
益智yìzhìto grow the intellect
明智之举míngzhìzhījǔsensible act明智之舉
智囊团zhìnángtuánthink 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).
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