Definitions

zhì (noun) aspiration; ambition; will
zhì (noun) record; annals

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. In simplified Chinese is also used to mean "write down, record", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character .

About

The character 志 combines the component 士, meaning scholar or person of action, atop the heart radical 心, representing the mind and emotions. This structure conveys a focused inner drive, translating to the primary meanings of will, aspiration, and intention. It also carries a secondary sense of记录, to document or keep records, reflecting the idea of fixing one's mind on preserving important information.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我买了一本杂

Wǒ mǎi le yī běn zázhì.

I bought a magazine.

他有远大的向。

Tā yǒu yuǎndà de zhìxiàng.

He has great ambitions.

这孩子很有气。

Zhè háizi hěn yǒu zhìqì.

This child is very ambitious.

我的愿是当医生。

Wǒ de zhìyuàn shì dāng yīshēng.

My aspiration is to become a doctor.

这个标很醒目。

Zhège biāozhì hěn xǐngmù.

This sign is very eye-catching.

他立要考上大学。

Tā lìzhì yào kǎo shàng dàxué.

He is determined to get into university.

在科学研究。

Tā zhì zài kēxué yánjiū.

He aims at scientific research.

这本书记载了历史。

Zhè běn zhìshū jìzǎi le lìshǐ.

This record book documents history.