Definitions

zhí (verb) to execute; to carry out
zhí (verb) to grasp; to hold

Etymology

Simplified form of . Pictograph of a person with hands () bound by shackles (). Based on the original meaning "seize". The meaning later shifted to "wield power", "carry out", and "hold".

About

The character "执", originating from the traditional form "執", is etymologically composed of elements that imply confinement and grasping, with one component historically associated with restraints and another depicting a kneeling figure, collectively conveying the act of capturing or seizing. Initially denoting the physical apprehension of individuals, its semantic scope gradually expanded to include the firm holding of objects, the steadfast adherence to beliefs or duties, and the diligent execution of tasks, reflecting a shift from concrete actions to abstract applications. The simplified form "执" preserves these essential meanings while presenting a more condensed graphical structure that continues to convey notions of holding, executing, and persisting.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
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 Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
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

笔写下了答案。

Tā zhíbǐ xiě xià le dá'àn.

He took up the pen and wrote down the answer.

警察正在行任务。

Jǐngchá zhèngzài zhíxíng rènwù.

The police are carrying out a mission.

他对自己的工作很着。

Tā duì zìjǐ de gōngzuò hěn zhízhuó.

He is very dedicated to his work.

请出示你的驾驶照。

Qǐng chūshì nǐ de jiàshǐ zhízhào.

Please show me your driver's license.

双方将签署一份行协议。

Shuāngfāng jiāng qiānshǔ yī fèn zhíxíng xiéyì.

Both parties will sign an implementation agreement.

他固地坚持自己的观点。

Tā gùzhí de jiānchí zìjǐ de guāndiǎn.

He stubbornly insists on his own point of view.

这个政党已经政十年了。

Zhège zhèngdǎng yǐjīng zhízhèng shí nián le.

This political party has been in power for ten years.

她始终无法放下心中的念。

Tā shǐzhōng wúfǎ fàng xià xīn zhōng de zhíniàn.

She has never been able to let go of the obsession in her heart.