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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 支 represents the sound.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half支 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaytree
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 枝? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 枝?
Decomposition of 枝
IDS Structure⿰木支
枝Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
支Zhi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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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Practice writing 枝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
节外生枝a new branch grows out of a knot (idiom); fig. side issues keep arising節外生枝
攀枝花Panzhihua prefecture-level city in the south of Sichuan
粗枝大叶boorish粗枝大葉
枝子twig
剪枝to prune (branches etc)
枝桠branch枝椏
枝江Zhijiang county level city in Yichang 宜昌[Yíchāng], Hubei
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 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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