Definitions

zhì (verb) to send; to deliver; to convey
zhì (verb) to cause; to lead to
zhì (adjective) fine; delicate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 致 is a phono-semantic compound combining a destination with an action. The left component, 至 (zhì), means to arrive or reach, and also indicates the pronunciation. The right component, 攵, represents a hand exerting force, serving as the semantic marker for an action. This structure conveys the idea of deliberately causing something to reach a place or bringing a matter to a conclusion. Over time, its meaning has broadened to include causing results, sending messages, devoting oneself to a pursuit, and achieving refinement.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 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

我向他谢。

Wǒ xiàng tā zhìxiè.

I thank him.

电给我。

Tā zhìdiàn gěi wǒ.

He called me.

这导了失败。

Zhè dǎozhìle shībài.

This caused failure.

力于研究。

Tā zhìlì yú yánjiū.

She is devoted to research.

意你的老师。

Qǐng zhìyì nǐ de lǎoshī.

Please greet your teacher.

他的演讲人深思。

Tā de yǎnjiǎng zhì rén shēnsī.

His speech leads people to deep thought.

我们必须以崇高的敬意。

Wǒmen bìxū zhì yǐ chónggāo de jìngyì.

We must express our lofty respect.

这项政策导了经济的变化。

Zhè xiàng zhèngcè dǎozhìle jīngjì de biànhuà.

This policy caused economic changes.