classifier for rods such as pens and guns, for army divisions and for songs or compositions
HSK 5, n, 4 strokes, radical 支, rank #933, Medium
支
zhī
to support, to sustain; to withdraw, to pay; a branch (of a bank)
HSK 5, n, 4 strokes, radical 支, rank #933, Medium
zhī(zhi1) T1
1to support
2to sustain
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March 24, 2026
支zhī(zhi1)
The character 支 (zhī) has multiple meanings, primarily relating to support or sustenance. It is commonly used in contexts such as supporting a person or an idea, and can also refer to branches or divisions in a broader sense, such as organizational structures or financial institutions.
Strokes4Radical支Frequency#933DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of support (支) is reflected in the importance of family and community ties, where individuals are expected to support each other, particularly in times of need. This is also evident in traditional Chinese businesses, which often operate in familial or communal structures.
Memory Tip
Imagine ‘支’ as two hands holding a branch (the top part) while the bottom part forms a stable base. You can think of ‘zhī’ as ‘zhi’ sounds like 'gee', as if you’re supporting a tree branch with a ‘gee, that's heavy!’
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AI Study Notes for 支
Quick Contrast
支 (zhī) vs 援 (yuán) — use 支 for physical or structural support, while 援 emphasizes assistance or aid in a more abstract or humanitarian context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine ‘支’ as two hands holding a branch (the top part) while the bottom part forms a stable base. You can think of ‘zhī’ as ‘zhi’ sounds like 'gee', as if you’re supporting a tree branch with a ‘gee, that's heavy!’
Usage Notes
This character is versatile but should be used with care to avoid confusion with similar-sounding terms. It is often found in both formal and informal contexts; however, learners should pay attention to the specific phrases it collocates with, such as '支援' (support) and '支出' (expenditure).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 支 connects with various other vocabulary concerning support, finance, and organization. Students should focus on its usage in compound words and phrases to better understand its applications in sentences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of support (支) is reflected in the importance of family and community ties, where individuals are expected to support each other, particularly in times of need. This is also evident in traditional Chinese businesses, which often operate in familial or communal structures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 支 with similar characters like 支持 (to support) and 纸 (paper). For example, saying '我支那本书' (I support that book) instead of '我支持那本书' (I support that book) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 支
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Grammar Patterns of 支
支 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 10 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.
The armed forces have launched offensives to recapture lost ground.
Cultural Notes for 支
💡Did you know?
The character 支 (zhī) is often used in modern Chinese to refer to various types of support. For instance, in a financial context, you might hear '支出' (zhīchū), meaning expenses. This illustrates the character's versatility in everyday language.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of support (支) is reflected in the importance of family and community ties, where individuals are expected to support each other, particularly in times of need. This is also evident in traditional Chinese businesses, which often operate in familial or communal structures.
Word Family of 支
Compounds32
技ji4skill
鼓gu3old variant of 鼓[gǔ]
妓ji4prostitute
歧qi2divergent
肢zhi1limb
翅chi4variant of 翅[chì]
枝zhi1branch
伎ji4talent, skill, craft, ability
吱zhi1to chirp; to hiss; to squeak
岐Qi2to diverge, to branch; the name of a mountain
屐ji1wooden clogs
叟sou3old man; elder
豉shi4fermented beans
庋gui3cupboard, pantry
忮zhi4stubborn; perverse; aggressive
攰
攲
芰ji4water caltrop
跂ji1to creep, to crawl
頍
鳷
叓
攱
攳
汥
秓
翄
蚑
衼
鈘
馶
鬾
Words Containing This Character20
支持zhīchíto support
支zhīto support
支付zhīfùto pay (money)
支票zhīpiàocheque
支撑zhīchēngto prop up支撐
支援zhīyuánto support
支出zhīchūto spend
枪支a gun槍支
开支kāizhīexpenditures開支
支配zhīpèito control
支柱zhīzhùmainstay
支持者supporter
分支fēnzhīto branch
支队detachment (of troops)支隊
支点fulcrum (for a lever)支點
支架trestle
收支shōuzhīcash flow
透支tòuzhī(bank) overdraft
支气管bronchus支氣管
支行subbranch of a bank
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 技 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 支
支 (zhī) is often used as a standalone character meaning to support or raise, while 支持 (zhīchí) is a verb that specifically means to support or endorse something. In usage, 支 can be a part of compound words, while 支持 emphasizes the act of supporting.
Yes, 支 (zhī) can also be a surname in Chinese culture. It is relatively uncommon compared to other surnames but is recognized in various regions. As a surname, it carries significance like any other family name in Chinese tradition.
支 (zhī) has several meanings in Chinese. It can refer to a branch or division, and is also used as a verb meaning to sustain, erect, or raise something. Additionally, it can be a surname.
You can use 支 (zhī) in various contexts, such as '我支撑着这棵树' (Wǒ zhīchēng zhe zhè kē shù), which means 'I am supporting this tree.' It can also refer to branches in a sentence like '这棵树有很多支' (Zhè kē shù yǒu hěn duō zhī), meaning 'This tree has many branches.'
Common phrases include '支援' (support), '支出' (expenditure), and '支票' (check).
No, while it is often used in financial contexts, it also applies to supporting ideas or people.
Yes, it is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
