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March 24, 2026
蜘zhī(zhi1)
The character 蜘 (zhī) refers specifically to a spider, often used in a more literary or formal context compared to the more common term 蜘蛛 (zhī zhū). It emphasizes the creature's essence and characteristics in a way that may not be captured in everyday conversation.
Strokes14Radical虫Frequency#61229DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, spiders are often associated with both good and bad omens. Some believe that seeing a spider in the morning brings good luck, while others may connect it with bad fortune, reflecting a rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding this creature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a spider weaving its web in the shape of the character 蜘. The left side resembles legs, while the right side can be visualized as its intricate web. The pronunciation 'zhī' sounds like 'gee,' which you might exclaim when seeing a spider unexpectedly!
Meanings of 蜘
zhī(zhi1)
1spider
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蜘
蜘Simplified
14Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蜘
Podcast: 蜘
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AI Study Notes for 蜘
Quick Contrast
蜘蛛 (zhī zhū) is the common term for 'spider' used in everyday conversation, while 蜘 (zhī) is more literary or formal, emphasizing the creature's essence.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a spider weaving its web in the shape of the character 蜘. The left side resembles legs, while the right side can be visualized as its intricate web. The pronunciation 'zhī' sounds like 'gee,' which you might exclaim when seeing a spider unexpectedly!
Usage Notes
While 蜘 is understood, it is less commonly used than 蜘蛛 in daily conversation. Be mindful of the context; 蜘 may appear in written literature or formal discussions about spiders. Remember that the tone is important; use the first tone (zhī) to avoid confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
As 蜘 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, students should focus on familiarizing themselves with its more commonly used counterpart 蜘蛛. Understanding the relationship between these two terms can enhance vocabulary retention and recognition.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, spiders are often associated with both good and bad omens. Some believe that seeing a spider in the morning brings good luck, while others may connect it with bad fortune, reflecting a rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding this creature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蜘 with 蜘蛛, mistakenly using 蜘 in casual conversation. For example, saying '我看到了一只蜘' (incorrect) instead of '我看到了一只蜘蛛' (correct).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蜘
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Grammar Patterns of 蜘
蜘 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). 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
有人能想出一种不会破坏生态环境而又能够赶跑____蛛的办法吗？
Can anyone suggest a method of deterring spiders which is ecologically sound?
Example Sentences for 蜘 (8)
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1
有人能想出一种不会破坏生态环境而又能够赶跑蜘蛛的办法吗？
yǒu rén néng xiǎng chū yī zhǒng bù huì pò huài shēng tài huán jìng ér yòu néng gòu gǎn pǎo zhī zhū de bàn fǎ ma？
Can anyone suggest a method of deterring spiders which is ecologically sound?
Nothing in the world would make me pick up a spider.
Cultural Notes for 蜘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, spiders are often associated with both good and bad omens. Some believe that seeing a spider in the morning brings good luck, while others may connect it with bad fortune, reflecting a rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding this creature.
Word Family of 蜘
Words Containing This Character5
蜘蛛spider
蜘蛛网cobweb蜘蛛網
蜘zhīspider
蜘蛛痣arterial spider
蜘蛛类arachnid蜘蛛類
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蜘蛛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蜘
No, 蜘 is more formal and literary; 蜘蛛 is the preferred term in daily conversation.
It is pronounced with the first tone, zhī, which is a high and level tone.
While there are no idioms specifically using 蜘, discussions about spiders often appear in folklore and stories.
