HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
purport
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
aim
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
purpose
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
旨
zhǐ
aim, intention, purpose, will
HSK 7, ng, 6 strokes, radical 日, rank #37176, Very Hard
zhǐ(zhi3) T3
1imperial decree
2purport
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
旨zhǐ(zhi3)
The character 旨 (zhǐ) primarily refers to an imperial decree or a formal announcement of intent. It can also signify the essence or aim of something, often used in contexts discussing purpose or intention in various forms of communication.
Strokes6Radical日Frequency#37176DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, imperial decrees (旨) were crucial for governance, reflecting the authority of the emperor. Understanding this term connects learners to the historical significance of communication in traditional Chinese governance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise emperor issuing a decree (旨) that clearly states his aim. The character resembles a 'mouth' (口) communicating a significant message, while the radical for 'will' (志) hints at a deeper intention behind the words.
Meanings of 旨
zhǐ(zhi3)
1imperial decree
2purport
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 旨
旨Simplified
6Strokes
日Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#37176Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 旨
Podcast: 旨
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 旨
Quick Contrast
旨 (zhǐ) vs 意 (yì) — use 旨 when referring specifically to formal announcements or decrees, while 意 is more general and can refer to intention or meaning.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which 旨 is used, as it can be formal or literary. Common collocations include phrases such as '旨在' (zhǐ zài) meaning 'aimed at'. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 旨 is not in the HSK curriculum, understanding it can enhance comprehension of more advanced texts discussing imperial history or formal announcements. Students should focus on its usage in literary contexts to build their vocabulary further.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 旨 in informal settings, treating it like everyday vocabulary. For example, saying '我旨要去' (wǒ zhǐ yào qù) instead of '我想去' (wǒ xiǎng qù) is incorrect. Use 旨 only in appropriate formal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 旨
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Drill the tone of 旨 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Depicts a spoon (匕) going into the mouth (口), conveying the original meaning "delicious".
1The giveawayA spoon 匕 aimed for the mouth 日
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 旨? 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 旨?
Decomposition of 旨
IDS Structure⿱匕日
旨Full Character
=
匕bi3
top
日Ri4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 旨?
How to say imperial decree in Chinese
“imperial decree” in Chinese is旨zhǐ
The character 旨 (zhǐ) primarily refers to an imperial decree or a formal announcement of intent. It can also signify the essence or aim of something, often used in contexts discussing purpose or intention in various forms of communication.
When to use 旨
Be mindful of the context in which 旨 is used, as it can be formal or literary. Common collocations include phrases such as '旨在' (zhǐ zài) meaning 'aimed at'. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to tone.
旨 or something close to it
旨 (zhǐ) vs 意 (yì) — use 旨 when referring specifically to formal announcements or decrees, while 意 is more general and can refer to intention or meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 旨 in informal settings, treating it like everyday vocabulary. For example, saying '我旨要去' (wǒ zhǐ yào qù) instead of '我想去' (wǒ xiǎng qù) is incorrect. Use 旨 only in appropriate formal contexts.
Write 旨
旨
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Practice writing 旨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 旨
旨 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
指挥将该作品情感上的毅然决然这一主____充分表现了出来。
The conductor brought home the full thrust of the work's emotional resolution.
