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兹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
兹
zī
now, here; this; time, year
HSK 7, rg, 9 strokes, radical 艹, rank #3060, Very Hard
zī(zi1)zi T1
1now, here; this; time, year
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March 24, 2026
兹(茲)zī(zi1)
The character 兹 (zī) primarily means 'now' or 'this,' and it is often used in a formal or literary context. It can also refer to time or a specific year, making it relevant in discussions about dates or events. Its usage is typically seen in written Chinese, especially in legal or official documents.
Strokes9Radical艹Frequency#3060DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In legal documents and formal announcements, 兹 is often used to denote the present time or to introduce important statements. Understanding this character can help learners navigate Chinese bureaucracy and official communications more effectively.
Memory tip
Imagine a clock with the hands pointing at the current time, symbolizing 'now.' The character 兹 resembles a person holding a document (the lines at the bottom) that emphasizes the importance of 'this' moment in time. Picture someone saying, 'This is the time!' as they glance at the clock.
Meanings of 兹
zī(zi1)
1now, here; this; time, year
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 兹
兹Simplified
茲Traditional
9Strokes
艹Radical
代词dàicípronoun (pron.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 兹
Podcast: 兹
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AI study notes for 兹
Usage Notes
兹 is more commonly found in formal writing, so avoid using it in casual conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more everyday term '现在' (xiànzài) for 'now.' Remember that 兹 is usually followed by a noun or phrase indicating what is being referred to as 'this.'
HSK Study Tips
While 兹 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for advanced learners to recognize it in formal texts. Students should focus on its context and usage in written language to enhance their understanding of formal Chinese.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 兹 interchangeably with 现在 (xiànzài), which is incorrect in formal contexts. For instance, saying '兹是一个好日子' (This is a good day) is awkward; use '今天是一个好日子' (Today is a good day) instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 兹
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Learning Lab
Knowing 兹 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 兹 (zī) primarily means 'now' or 'this,' and it is often used in a formal or literary context. It can also refer to time or a specific year, making it relevant in discussions about dates or events. Its usage is typically seen in written Chinese, especially in legal or official documents.
When to use 兹
兹 is more commonly found in formal writing, so avoid using it in casual conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more everyday term '现在' (xiànzài) for 'now.' Remember that 兹 is usually followed by a noun or phrase indicating what is being referred to as 'this.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 兹 interchangeably with 现在 (xiànzài), which is incorrect in formal contexts. For instance, saying '兹是一个好日子' (This is a good day) is awkward; use '今天是一个好日子' (Today is a good day) instead.
Write 兹
兹
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Grammar patterns of 兹
兹 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
