About
祗 (zhī) is a phono-semantic compound formed by the radical 礻 (a reduced form of 示, meaning 'spirit' or 'altar') on the left and the phonetic component 氐 (dī) on the right. The radical indicates that the character originally meant to show reverence or deep respect, particularly toward deities and ancestors during ritual ceremonies. Subsequently, the character took on an adverbial role in classical texts, functioning as a synonym for 'only' or 'merely', a meaning entirely divorced from its original respectful and religious connotations.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我祗想回家。
他祗吃蔬菜。
这祗是一个开始。
我祗能帮助你一点点。
祗有努力才能成功。
他祗顾自己不顾别人。
祗要你开心我就满意。
祗因相信所以坚持。
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