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枝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
枝
zhī
branch
HSK 6, q, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #8929, Hard
枝
zhī
classifier for sticks, rods, pencils etc
HSK 6, q, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #8929, Hard
枝
zhī
branches, limbs; to branch off
HSK 6, q, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #8929, Hard
zhī(zhi1)zhi T1
1branch
2classifier for sticks, rods, pencils etc
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March 24, 2026
枝zhī(zhi1)
The character 枝 (zhī) primarily means 'branch' and is used to refer to the limbs of trees or shrubs. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for thin, long objects such as sticks, rods, and pencils. In a broader sense, it can also convey the idea of branching off from a main topic or path.
Strokes8Radical木Frequency#8929DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, trees and their branches symbolize growth and prosperity, often featured in art and poetry. The character 枝 is thus not only a common noun but also carries cultural significance relating to harmony with nature.
Memory tip
Imagine a tree with many branches (枝) extending outwards. Each branch can represent different topics, like branches of knowledge. The character itself resembles a tree (木) with additional strokes suggesting the branches extending outwards, helping you remember 'zhī' as a branch.
Meanings of 枝
zhī(zhi1)
1branch
2classifier for sticks, rods, pencils etc
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 枝
枝Simplified
8Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8929Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 枝
Podcast: 枝
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AI study notes for 枝
Quick Contrast
笔 (bǐ) vs 枝 (zhī): Use 枝 when referring to a branch or a thin object like a stick, while 笔 specifically refers to a writing instrument like a pen or pencil.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is using 枝 (zhī) with broader objects; remember it's specifically for thinner, elongated items. Phrases like '一枝笔' (yī zhī bǐ) meaning 'a pencil' illustrate its use as a classifier.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 枝 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to nature and classification. Students should focus on its usage in context, particularly in academic or literary settings where nature and classification are discussed.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 枝 with thicker classifiers like 支 (zhī), which is used for things like umbrellas or sticks. For instance, saying '一枝伞' (yī zhī sǎn) is incorrect; it should be '一把伞' (yī bǎ sǎn).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 枝
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Example
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枝 = 木 + 支. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 枝
IDS Structure⿰木支
枝Full character
=
木Mu4
left
支Zhi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 枝?
How to say branch in Chinese
“branch” in Chinese is枝zhī
The character 枝 (zhī) primarily means 'branch' and is used to refer to the limbs of trees or shrubs. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for thin, long objects such as sticks, rods, and pencils. In a broader sense, it can also convey the idea of branching off from a main topic or path.
When to use 枝
This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is using 枝 (zhī) with broader objects; remember it's specifically for thinner, elongated items. Phrases like '一枝笔' (yī zhī bǐ) meaning 'a pencil' illustrate its use as a classifier.
枝 or something close to it
笔 (bǐ) vs 枝 (zhī): Use 枝 when referring to a branch or a thin object like a stick, while 笔 specifically refers to a writing instrument like a pen or pencil.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 枝 with thicker classifiers like 支 (zhī), which is used for things like umbrellas or sticks. For instance, saying '一枝伞' (yī zhī sǎn) is incorrect; it should be '一把伞' (yī bǎ sǎn).
Write 枝
枝
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Grammar patterns of 枝
枝 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 3 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.
When in danger, the anteater lashes its tail round a branch.
5
他们拆掉了木栅栏，并砍去了一些树枝。
tāmen chāi diào le mù zhà lán， bìng kǎn qù le yìxiē shùzhī。
They've torn down wooden fences and broken branches off trees.
6
她围绕这个主题添枝加叶地说了大约10分钟。
tā wéirào zhège zhǔtí tiān zhī jiā xié dì shuō le dàyuē10 fēnzhōng。
She embroidered on this theme for about ten minutes.
7
树枝刮破了我的夹克，划伤了我的手和脸。
shùzhī guā pò le wǒ de jiā kè， huá shāng le wǒ de shǒu hé liǎn。
The branches tore at my jacket and scratched my hands and face.
8
如果我给点暗示，他没准会送我一段插枝。
rúguǒ wǒ gěi diǎn ànshì， tā méi zhǔn huì sòng wǒ yī duàn chā zhī。
If I drop a few hints he might give me a cutting.
9
一根树枝撞得一名女骑手昏了过去.
yī gēn shùzhī zhuàng de yī míng nǚ qíshǒu hūn le guòqù.
The branch of a tree knocked one of the horsewomen senseless.
10
动脉分枝成许多网状的静脉。
dòngmài fēn zhī chéng xǔduō wǎng zhuàng de jìng mài。
The artery ramified into a network of veins .
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Word Family of 枝
Words containing this character20
枝zhībranch
树枝shùzhībranch樹枝
荔枝lìzhīlitchi or lychee fruit (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)
枝叶zhīyèbranch and leaf枝葉
枝条zhītiáobranch枝條
分枝fēnzhībranch
橄榄枝gǎnlǎnzhīolive branch橄欖枝
花枝招展huāzhīzhāozhǎnfig. gorgeously dressed (woman)
一枝独秀yìzhīdúxiùoutstanding一枝獨秀
花枝huāzhīsquid (on dining menus)
细枝末节xìzhīmòjiéminor details細枝末節
枝节zhījiébranches and knots枝節
桂枝guìzhīcinnamon (Ramulus Cinnamomi)
节外生枝jiéwàishēngzhīa new branch grows out of a knot (idiom); fig. side issues keep arising節外生枝
攀枝花pānzhīhuāPanzhihua prefecture-level city in the south of Sichuan
粗枝大叶cūzhīdàyèboorish粗枝大葉
枝子zhīzitwig
剪枝jiǎnzhīto prune (branches etc)
枝桠zhīyābranch枝椏
枝江zhījiāngZhijiang county level city in Yichang 宜昌[Yíchāng], Hubei
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 枝
What does 树枝 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 枝
You use 枝 (zhī) specifically for thin, long objects like branches or pencils. For example, you would say '两枝花' (liǎng zhī huā) for 'two branches of flowers.'
Yes, it can also be used as a classifier for long, thin items like rods or pens, but not for thicker objects.
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in literature or when discussing nature.
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