courtesy or style name traditionally given to males aged 20 in dynastic China
HSK 1, n, 6 strokes, radical 子, rank #1138, Easy
zì(zi4)zi T4
1letter
2symbol
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March 24, 2026
字zì(zi4)
The character 字 (zì) refers to a letter, symbol, or character in written language. It is commonly used in contexts related to writing and language, as well as in historical references to the courtesy names traditionally given to men at the age of twenty in dynastic China.
Strokes6Radical子Frequency#1138DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the courtesy name (字) given to males at age twenty often reflected familial or personal virtues, highlighting the importance of names and identity in societal roles.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'Z' made of letters, signifying all the words that can be formed. The 'Z' shape can help you remember the pronunciation 'zì', as it visually represents the concept of letters and characters.
Meanings of 字
zì(zi4)
1letter
2symbol
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 字
字Simplified
6Strokes
子Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1138Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 字
Podcast: 字
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AI Study Notes for 字
Quick Contrast
汉字 (hànzì) - refers specifically to Chinese characters; use 字 (zì) for a more general term encompassing all types of characters.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 字 with 词 (cí), which means 'word' but refers to a group of characters rather than a single character. Use 字 in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about using it in literary or historical discussions without the appropriate context.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 字 connects with other foundational vocabulary, such as 书 (shū, book) and 语 (yǔ, language). Focus on recognizing 字 in sentences and practicing its usage in writing to build a solid understanding of basic written Chinese.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 字 with the character 文字 (wénzì), which means 'written language' or 'script'. Remember, 字 specifically refers to individual characters, while 文字 refers to the broader concept of writing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 字
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How Well Do You Know 字?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 字 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.
Phonosemantic compound. 宀 represents the meaning and 子 represents the sound. The 宀 (roof) component is based on the original meaning "raise; nurture". The meaning later shifted to "educate", "word", and "writing".
Memory Hint
A child 子 in a house 宀; 子 also provides the pronunciation
The character 字 (zì) refers to a letter, symbol, or character in written language. It is commonly used in contexts related to writing and language, as well as in historical references to the courtesy names traditionally given to men at the age of twenty in dynastic China.
When to use 字
Common mistakes include confusing 字 with 词 (cí), which means 'word' but refers to a group of characters rather than a single character. Use 字 in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about using it in literary or historical discussions without the appropriate context.
字 or something close to it
汉字 (hànzì) - refers specifically to Chinese characters; use 字 (zì) for a more general term encompassing all types of characters.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 字 with the character 文字 (wénzì), which means 'written language' or 'script'. Remember, 字 specifically refers to individual characters, while 文字 refers to the broader concept of writing.
Write 字
字
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Practice writing 字 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 字
字 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 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.
