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March 24, 2026
芝zhī(zhi1)
The character 芝 (zhī) primarily refers to 'sesame,' a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known for its nutty flavor and health benefits. It can also denote a type of magical mushroom, often associated with myths and folklore. In botany, it refers to 'Zoysia pungens,' a type of grass, highlighting its use in agricultural contexts.
Strokes6Radical艹Frequency#23557DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sesame seeds are not only used in food but also symbolize good luck and wealth. They are often seen in festivals and special dishes, emphasizing their cultural significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sesame seed (芝) sprouting into a magical mushroom, with the seed representing the shape of the character. The top part resembles a sprouting bud, making it easy to remember that it's related to plants and growth.
Meanings of 芝
zhī(zhi1)
1sesame; a magical mushroom
2Zoysia pungens
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 芝
芝Simplified
6Strokes
艹Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 芝
Podcast: 芝
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AI Study Notes for 芝
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sesame seed (芝) sprouting into a magical mushroom, with the seed representing the shape of the character. The top part resembles a sprouting bud, making it easy to remember that it's related to plants and growth.
Usage Notes
When using 芝, it's important to note that it is often found in culinary contexts, so pay attention to food-related phrases. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you practice the tones. This character is typically used in neutral or formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Though 芝 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other food-related terms at this level, enhancing your understanding of Chinese cuisine. Focus on its uses in cooking and how to pair it with other ingredients.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sesame seeds are not only used in food but also symbolize good luck and wealth. They are often seen in festivals and special dishes, emphasizing their cultural significance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 芝 with other similar-sounding characters like 纸 (zhǐ, paper) or 知 (zhī, to know). A common error is writing 芝 when intending to write 纸; remember that 芝 relates to plants and food.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 芝
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Grammar Patterns of 芝
芝 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 2 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
____加哥有6所颇负盛名的研究生院和专业院校。
Chicago has 6 graduate and professional schools of high repute.
Chicago provides a feast for the ears of any music lover.
Cultural Notes for 芝
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, sesame seeds are not only used in food but also symbolize good luck and wealth. They are often seen in festivals and special dishes, emphasizing their cultural significance.
Word Family of 芝
Words Containing This Character15
芝加哥Chicago, USA
芝zhīZoysia pungens
芝麻zhīmasesame (seed)
芝士zhīshìcheese (loanword)
东芝Toshiba, Japanese electronics company東芝
张柏芝Cecilia Cheung (1980-), Hong Kong actress and pop singer張柏芝
灵芝lingzhi or reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)靈芝
林芝Nyingchi prefecture of Tibet, Tibetan: Nying khri, Chinese Linzhi
芝麻酱sesame paste芝麻醬
芝麻油sesame oil
芝加哥大学University of Chicago芝加哥大學
林芝地区Nyingchi prefecture of Tibet, Tibetan: Nying khri sa khul, Chinese Linzhi林芝地區
芝麻官low ranking official
芝罘区Zhifu district of Yantai city 煙台市|烟台市, Shandong芝罘區
高仙芝Gao Xianzhi or Go Seonji (c. 702-756), Tang dynasty general of Goguryeo 高句麗|高句丽[Gāogōulí] extraction, active in Central Asia
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 芝加哥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 芝
Sesame seeds are commonly used in dishes like sesame chicken, sesame oil, and various desserts such as sesame balls.
Yes, there are mainly black and white sesame seeds, each used for different flavors and appearances in dishes.
