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为止 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
为止wéizhǐuntilHSK 6, unknown, 8 strokes, rank #1582, Hard
为止wéizhǐ(used in combination with words like 到[dao4] or 至[zhi4] in constructs of the form 到...為止|到...为止)HSK 6, unknown, 8 strokes, rank #1582, Hard
wéizhǐ(wei2zhi3)wei zhi T2
  1. 1until
  2. 2(used in combination with words like 到[dao4] or 至[zhi4] in constructs of the form 到...為止|到...为止)
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March 24, 2026

为止(為止)wéizhǐ(wei2zhi3)

为止 (wéizhǐ) means 'until' and is often used to indicate a point in time or condition that marks the end of something. It is typically found in phrases like '到...为止' (dào... wéizhǐ), which translates to 'up until...'. This expression is frequently used in both spoken and written Chinese to set boundaries for time or events.

Strokes8Frequency#1582DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, setting clear timelines or boundaries is essential in planning and commitments, reflecting a collective approach to time management in both personal and professional contexts.

Memory Tip

Think of 为 (wéi) as 'for' and 止 (zhǐ) as 'stop'. Imagine a person saying, 'I will work for you until you say stop!' This imagery links the concept of duration (until) with the characters and their sounds.

Meanings of 为止

wéizhǐ(wei2zhi3)
1until
2(used in combination with words like 到[dao4] or 至[zhi4] in constructs of the form 到...為止|到...为止)
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About 为止

为止Simplified
為止Traditional
8Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

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Podcast: 为止

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AI Study Notes for 为止

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 为止 with similar phrases that denote different meanings or timeframes. It's more formal than casual expressions and is commonly used in reports or announcements. Make sure to use the correct tone when pronouncing it to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

为止 appears more in advanced contexts, so focus on its combination with other words like 到 (dào) and 至 (zhì). Understanding how it fits into time-related phrases will enhance your comprehension of temporal expressions in Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 为止 by omitting the required context, such as saying '我会等为止' instead of '我会等到星期五为止' (I'll wait until Friday). Always include a specific reference point when using 为止.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 为止

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Component Characters

为wèibecause of
HSK 34 strokes丶
View full entry
止zhǐto stop
HSK 54 strokes止
View full entry

How to say until in Chinese

“until” in Chinese is为止wéizhǐ

为止 (wéizhǐ) means 'until' and is often used to indicate a point in time or condition that marks the end of something. It is typically found in phrases like '到...为止' (dào... wéizhǐ), which translates to 'up until...'. This expression is frequently used in both spoken and written Chinese to set boundaries for time or events.

When to use 为止

Be careful not to confuse 为止 with similar phrases that denote different meanings or timeframes. It's more formal than casual expressions and is commonly used in reports or announcements. Make sure to use the correct tone when pronouncing it to avoid misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 为止 by omitting the required context, such as saying '我会等为止' instead of '我会等到星期五为止' (I'll wait until Friday). Always include a specific reference point when using 为止.

Write 为止

为
止

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Frequently Asked Questions about 为止

It is typically more formal and is less common in casual spoken language.

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