to knit, to weave

JLPT N5 8 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meaning

The character (zhī) primarily means "to weave" or "to knit." It is commonly used in contexts related to textile production, such as weaving cloth or knitting garments. Beyond the literal sense, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of constructing or interlacing elements, such as stories or plans.

Common Collocations

  • 毛衣 (zhī máoyī): to knit a sweater
  • (zhī bù): to weave cloth
  • (zhī wǎng): to weave a net

These collocations highlight the typical use of in textile-related activities.

Nuances and Usage Notes

When used literally, often involves threads, yarn, or fibers. Metaphorically, it conveys the idea of combining parts into a coherent whole, such as weaving a narrative or a complex plan. It is a formal verb and appears frequently in written and spoken Chinese related to crafts, industry, and figurative language.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (biān), which also means "to weave" or "to knit" but often emphasizes the act of braiding or binding, such as 头发 (braiding hair). focuses more on the fabric or textile creation process.

Example Sentences

She likes to knit sweaters with yarn.

This factory mainly weaves cloth and produces textiles.

He wove a wonderful scene with his story.