Definitions

zhī (verb) to support; to sustain
zhī (noun) branch; division
zhī (verb) to draw; withdraw money; to pay
zhī (particle) classifier for sticks, pens

Etymology

Pictograph of a hand () lifting a piece of bamboo ().

About

The character 支 is an ideographic compound formed from a bamboo branch at the top and the hand radical 又 below. This visual composition depicts a hand holding up a branch, which conveys the original meaning of propping up or supporting. From this core idea of physical support, the meaning extended to include paying out funds, sustaining operations, and providing assistance. Additionally, 支 functions as a measure word for rod-like objects and refers to branches or subdivisions of a larger whole, such as a river tributary or a family lineage.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
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)
Seal etymology image
Seal 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)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

持你的决定。

Wǒ zhīchí nǐ de juédìng.

I support your decision.

我用手机付。

Wǒ yòng shǒujī zhīfù.

I pay with my phone.

杠杆需要点。

Gànggǎn xūyào zhīdiǎn.

A lever needs a fulcrum.

相机放在架上。

Xiàngjī fàng zài zhījià shàng.

The camera is placed on the支架.

这条河有很多流。

Zhè tiáo hé yǒu hěn duō zhīliú.

This river has many tributaries.

这条线通往小镇。

Zhè tiáo zhīxiàn tōng wǎng xiǎo zhèn.

This branch line leads to the small town.

他不受别人配。

Tā bù shòu biérén zhīpèi.

He is not dominated by others.

吾着说不出话。

Tā zhīwú zhe shuō bù chū huà.

He stammered and couldn't speak.