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March 24, 2026
置zhì(zhi4)
The character 置 (zhì) primarily means 'to place' or 'to install.' It is commonly used in contexts involving the arrangement of objects, such as placing furniture or setting something in order. The word also conveys the idea of laying something aside or making a purchase, reflecting a sense of positioning or establishing something in a specific context.
Strokes13Radical罒Frequency#4786DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the arrangement of objects in a home, known as Feng Shui, emphasizes the importance of placement for harmony and balance. The word 置 reflects this cultural practice of careful positioning and arrangement.
Memory Tip
Think of 置 (zhì) as a scene where a person is 'laying down' (置) their belongings in a new home. The left part of the character resembles a person standing, while the right part suggests a flat surface. Picture them carefully placing each item to create a cozy space.
Meanings of 置
zhì(zhi4)
1to install
2to place
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 置
置Simplified
13Strokes
罒Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4786Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 置
Podcast: 置
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AI Study Notes for 置
Quick Contrast
安置 (ānzhì) - use 置 (zhì) for general placement, while 安置 (ānzhì) specifically implies a careful or proper arrangement, often in a more formal context.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 置 (zhì) as a scene where a person is 'laying down' (置) their belongings in a new home. The left part of the character resembles a person standing, while the right part suggests a flat surface. Picture them carefully placing each item to create a cozy space.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 置 with similar verbs like 放 (fàng), which means 'to put' or 'to release.' 置 is more formal and often used in written contexts. Common collocations include 置物 (to place items) and 置放 (to set aside).
HSK Study Tips
While 置 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with HSK Level 3 words related to placement and arrangement. Focus on practicing its usage in phrases and understanding its nuances in different contexts to strengthen your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the arrangement of objects in a home, known as Feng Shui, emphasizes the importance of placement for harmony and balance. The word 置 reflects this cultural practice of careful positioning and arrangement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 置 by substituting it with 放 (fàng) in casual conversations. For example, saying '我置书在桌子上' instead of '我放书在桌子上' is incorrect; use 放 in this context instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 置
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Grammar Patterns of 置
置 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.
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8
这个人坐在他固定的靠窗的位置。
zhè gè rén zuò zài tā gù dìng de kào chuāng de wèi zhì。
The man sat at his regular table near the window.
9
这一装置有助于使虚拟现实成为更可用、更便利的技术。
zhè yī zhuāng zhì yǒu zhù yú shǐ xū nǐ xiàn shí chéng wéi gēng kě yòng、 、 gēng biàn lì de jì。
This device helps make virtual reality a more usable and accessible technology.
10
相对地球表面而言，这颗卫星位置固定。
xiāng duì dì qiú biǎo miàn ér yán， ， zhè kē wèi xīng wèi zhì gù。
The satellite remains in one spot relative to the earth's surface.
Cultural Notes for 置
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the arrangement of objects in a home, known as Feng Shui, emphasizes the importance of placement for harmony and balance. The word 置 reflects this cultural practice of careful positioning and arrangement.
Word Family of 置
Words Containing This Character20
位置wèizhìposition
置zhìto install
难以置信nányǐzhìxìnhard to believe難以置信
装置zhuāngzhìto install裝置
设置shèzhìto set up設置
配置pèizhìto deploy
布置bùzhìto arrange佈置
安置ānzhìto find a place for
处置chǔzhìto handle處置
放置fàngzhìto put
置身to stay
置换to permute置換
置于to place
购置to purchase購置
置业to buy real estate置業
闲置to lie idle閒置
置之不理to ignore
搁置gēzhìto shelve擱置
置信(math.) confidence (interval etc)
置身事外not to get involved
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 位置 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 置
Some synonyms for 置 (zhì) include 放 (fàng), which means to place or put, and 安装 (ānzhuāng), which specifically means to install. Knowing these synonyms can enhance your vocabulary and understanding of related concepts in Chinese.
Yes, 置 is used in several idiomatic expressions in Chinese. One example is '置之不理' (zhì zhī bù lǐ), which means to ignore or to dismiss something. Understanding these expressions can help you use 置 more effectively in conversation.
You can use 置 (zhì) in sentences to indicate the action of placing or installing something. For example, '我把书置在桌子上' (Wǒ bǎ shū zhì zài zhuōzi shàng) means 'I put the book on the table.' This shows the character's application in everyday situations.
置 (zhì) means to install, place, or put something. It can also refer to buying or setting something up in a particular location. This character is often used in contexts involving positioning objects or installing items.
You can use 置 in contexts like: '我把书放在桌子上' (Wǒ bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng) meaning 'I put the book on the table,' using 置 to emphasize the action of placing.
Yes, while it may sound more formal, 置 is still understood and used in daily life, especially in written contexts.
Yes, in some contexts, 置 can imply making a purchase, especially when referring to acquiring items to place in a specific location.
