Definitions

zhī (noun) fungus; mushroom

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 芝 is a phono-semantic compound, with the grass radical 艹 atop indicating its botanical nature and the component 之 below providing its pronunciation. Historically, it referred to a fragrant plant or mythical fungus, often identified with the prized Lingzhi mushroom valued in traditional medicine and Taoist alchemy for its purported life-extending qualities. These associations with rarity and elegance have given the character a noble and positive connotation. In literature, it often symbolizes purity and高尚 character, and it remains a popular choice in Chinese women's names.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

麻味道很香。

Zhīma wèidao hěn xiāng.

Sesame tastes very fragrant.

我买了麻酱。

Wǒ mǎi le zhīmajiàng.

I bought sesame paste.

是一种药材。

Língzhī shì yī zhǒng yàocái.

Lingzhi is a type of medicinal herb.

麻可以榨油。

Zhīma kěyǐ zhà yóu.

Sesame can be pressed for oil.

这种灵很珍贵。

Zhè zhǒng língzhī hěn zhēnguì.

This kind of lingzhi is very precious.

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

Zài shānqū lǐ néng zhǎodào yěshēng língzhī.

Wild lingzhi can be found in mountainous areas.

麻虽然小,但营养丰富。

Zhīma suīrán xiǎo, dàn yíngyǎng fēngfù.

Although sesame seeds are small, they are nutritious.