Definitions

zhī (noun) branch; twig
zhī (noun) stick; rod
zhī (particle) measure word for long, thin, inflexible objects

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "枝" is a phono-semantic compound integrating the radical "木", which denotes wood or tree, with the component "支" serving both phonetic and semantic purposes, the latter reinforcing the idea of branching or offshooting. Its original reference was strictly to the physical branches or twigs of a plant, yet over time its application broadened metaphorically to describe any subsidiary or divergent part, such as lineages in a family or subdivisions within an organization. This expansion in meaning, from the concrete to the abstract, stems directly from its etymological foundation, where the inherent notion of division and extension captured by "支" within the character's structure has allowed it to adapt to various contexts while retaining its core conceptual identity.

Etymology Hide

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 Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

在风中摇晃。

Shùzhī zài fēng zhōng yáohuàng.

The tree branch sways in the wind.

小鸟在树上唱歌。

Xiǎo niǎo zài shùzhī shàng chànggē.

A little bird is singing on the branch.

春天的树长出新芽。

Chūntiān de shùzhī zhǎng chū xīn yá.

Spring branches grow new buds.

他剪掉了多余的树

Tā jiǎndiào le duōyú de shùzhī.

He pruned the excess branches.

松树的树四季常青。

Sōngshù de shùzhī sìjì chángqīng.

The branches of the pine tree are evergreen all year round.

知识如同大树的叶,不断扩展。

Zhīshi rútóng dàshù de zhīyè, bùduàn kuòzhǎn.

Knowledge is like the branches and leaves of a great tree, constantly expanding.

我们要关注主干,而非细末节。

Wǒmen yào guānzhù zhǔgàn, ér fēi xìzhīmòjié.

We should focus on the main point, not the minor details.

公司的发展要主干清晰,叶茂盛。

Gōngsī de fāzhǎn yào zhǔgàn qīngxī, zhīyè màoshèng.

The company's development requires a clear main focus and flourishing branches.