志

誌
zhì
士 + 心

Definitions

zhì (noun) aspiration; ambition; will
zhì (noun) record; annals

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 之 represents the sound. In simplified Chinese 志 is also used to mean "write down, record", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 誌.

About

志 is a phonosemantic compound: the heart radical 心 provides the meaning of mind or inner disposition, while the top component, a simplified form of 之 (zhī), supplies the sound. This structure evokes a concentrated mind, giving the character its primary senses of will, aspiration, and determination. In simplified Chinese, 志 also replaces the traditional character 誌, adding the meaning "to record" or "chronicle".

Example Sentences Hide

我买了一本杂志。

Wǒ mǎi le yī běn zázhì.

I bought a magazine.

他有远大的志向。

Tā yǒu yuǎndà de zhìxiàng.

He has great ambitions.

这孩子很有志气。

Zhè háizi hěn yǒu zhìqì.

This child is very ambitious.

我的志愿是当医生。

Wǒ de zhìyuàn shì dāng yīshēng.

My aspiration is to become a doctor.

这个标志很醒目。

Zhège biāozhì hěn xǐngmù.

This sign is very eye-catching.

他立志要考上大学。

Tā lìzhì yào kǎo shàng dàxué.

He is determined to get into university.

他志在科学研究。

Tā zhì zài kēxué yánjiū.

He aims at scientific research.

这本志书记载了历史。

Zhè běn zhìshū jìzǎi le lìshǐ.

This record book documents history.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

痣 誌 鋕

Component: 士

声 款 吉 壮 壳 壶 仕 壬 壹 毂 彀 觳 縠 賣

Component: 心

心 想 意 总 感 必 思 怎 息 念 态 愿 急 您

Example Words

励志 同志 志同道合 志趣 意志 日志 标志 杂志 丧志 墓志铭 壮志 大志 徐志摩 得志 心志 志向 志气 志愿 志愿者 意志力 林志玲 标志性 立志 罗志祥