Definitions

zhǐ (noun) aim; purpose; intention
zhǐ (noun) imperial decree; edict

Etymology

Depicts a spoon () going into the mouth (), conveying the original meaning "fine-tasting". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

About

The character "旨" derives from an early ideographic concept combining a spoon with a mouth to convey the sense of taste or something pleasing to the palate, which structurally stabilized into the arrangement of "匕" over "日", a latter component that supplanted an original "口". Its core meaning of deliciousness gradually extended through figurative use to denote the essential point or intention behind something, and later acquired the additional layer of meaning referring to an official decree or authoritative order. This transition from a concrete sensory attribute to abstract concepts of purpose and command occurred while the character's graphical form remained consistent, reflecting a natural progression in its linguistic usage.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的意很清楚。

Tā de zhǐyì hěn qīngchǔ.

His intention is very clear.

这篇文章的主是什么?

Zhè piān wénzhāng de zhǔzhǐ shì shénme?

What is the main point of this article?

皇帝下达了圣

Huángdì xiàdále shèngzhǐ.

The emperor issued an imperial edict.

本次会议的宗是促进合作。

Běn cì huìyì de zōngzhǐ shì cùjìn hézuò.

The purpose of this meeting is to promote cooperation.

她不明白老师的意。

Tā bù míngbái lǎoshī de zhǐyì.

She doesn't understand the teacher's intention.

这项政策在改善民生。

Zhè xiàng zhèngcè zhǐ zài gǎishàn mínshēng.

This policy aims to improve people's livelihood.

根据公司的宗,我们应当诚信经营。

Gēnjù gōngsī de zōngzhǐ, wǒmen yīngdāng chéngxìn jīngyíng.

According to the company's principle, we should operate with integrity.

在历史上,圣具有最高的法律效力。

Zài lìshǐ shàng, shèngzhǐ jùyǒu zuì gāo de fǎlǜ xiàolì.

In history, imperial edicts had the highest legal effect.