芝

zhī

之 + 艹

Definitions

zhī (noun) fungus; mushroom

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 之 represents the sound.

Semantic: 艹 Phonetic: 之

About

芝 is a phonosemantic compound: the grass radical 艹 (meaning 'plant') sits atop the phonetic component 之, indicating its pronunciation. Historically, it denoted a fragrant plant or a mythical fungus, notably the lingzhi mushroom prized in traditional medicine and Taoist alchemy for its supposed longevity-inducing properties. Its associations with rarity, elegance, and fragrance gave the character a highly positive, noble connotation. It is frequently used in literature to symbolize purity and noble character, and it remains an extremely popular choice in Chinese female given names.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

芝麻味道很香。

Zhīma wèidao hěn xiāng.

Sesame tastes very fragrant.

我买了芝麻酱。

Wǒ mǎi le zhīmajiàng.

I bought sesame paste.

灵芝是一种药材。

Língzhī shì yī zhǒng yàocái.

Lingzhi is a type of medicinal herb.

芝麻可以榨油。

Zhīma kěyǐ zhà yóu.

Sesame can be pressed for oil.

这种灵芝很珍贵。

Zhè zhǒng língzhī hěn zhēnguì.

This kind of lingzhi is very precious.

芝麻糊是我喜欢的甜品。

Zhīmahú shì wǒ xǐhuan de tiánpǐn.

Sesame paste is my favorite dessert.

在山区里能找到野生灵芝。

Zài shānqū lǐ néng zhǎodào yěshēng língzhī.

Wild lingzhi can be found in mountainous areas.

芝麻虽然小，但营养丰富。

Zhīma suīrán xiǎo, dàn yíngyǎng fēngfù.

Although sesame seeds are small, they are nutritious.

Related Characters

Component: 之

Component: 艹

芝