治

zhì

台 + 氵

HSK 3.0Level 5

Frequency#274

Definitions

zhì (verb) to govern; to manage; to control

zhì (verb) to treat; to cure (disease)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 台 represents the sound. Originally referred to a river in Shandong province. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

About

Structurally composed of the water radical (氵) and the component 台, the character "治" derives from an early semantic association with water regulation and flood control. This hydraulic foundation facilitated a semantic expansion into broader domains of administration and order, such as in the governance of states. Subsequent development extended its meaning to include medical intervention and healing, reflecting a conceptual shift from managing natural elements to overseeing human affairs and health.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他治好了感冒。

Tā zhì hǎo le gǎnmào.

He cured his cold.

这种药能治病。

Zhè zhǒng yào néng zhìbìng.

This medicine can cure diseases.

医生治疗病人。

Yīshēng zhìliáo bìngrén.

The doctor treats patients.

城市的治安很好。

Chéngshì de zhì'ān hěn hǎo.

The city's public security is very good.

政府治理环境污染。

Zhèngfǔ zhìlǐ huánjìng wūrǎn.

The government manages environmental pollution.

古代中国有治水的传说。

Gǔdài Zhōngguó yǒu zhìshuǐ de chuánshuō.

Ancient China has legends about flood control.

他治学态度严谨。

Tā zhìxué tàidu yánjǐn.

His attitude towards scholarly studies is rigorous.

科学家研究防治疾病的新方法。

Kēxuéjiā yánjiū fángzhì jíbìng de xīn fāngfǎ.

Scientists research new methods for preventing and treating diseases.

Related Characters

Component: 台

Component: 氵

治