HSK 5

支

zhī

surname Zhi

HSK 5 支 支 4 strokes
Stroke order animation for 支

Words with this Character

支持 zhī chí HSK 4
to be in favor of
支付 zhīfù HSK 4
支付
支 zhī HSK 5
surname Zhi
支票 zhī piào HSK 5
check (bank)
开支 kāi zhī HSK 6
expenditures
支撑 zhī chēng HSK 6
to prop up
支出 zhī chū HSK 6
to spend; to pay out
支流 zhī liú HSK 6
tributary (river)
支配 zhī pèi HSK 6
to control
支援 zhī yuán HSK 6
to provide assistance
支柱 zhī zhù HSK 6
mainstay
分支 fēnzhī HSK 7
分支
收支 shōuzhī HSK 7
收支
透支 tòuzhī HSK 7
透支
支架 zhījià HSK 7
支架

Usage of 支

The character 支 (zhī) is commonly used as a measure word for slender, stick-like objects such as pens, pencils, or rifles. For example, 一支笔 (one pen) or 一支枪 (one gun). It is also used to count teams or military units, reflecting its meaning as a 'division' or 'squad'.

Additionally, 支 can be a surname, pronounced Zhī, which is less common but important to recognize in names.

Common Collocations

  • 一支笔 (a pen): measure word for writing instruments
  • 一支队伍 (a team/squad): counting units of groups or teams
  • 支持 (to support): a common verb using 支, meaning to support or back someone/something

Notes

When used as a measure word, 支 always precedes the noun it counts. It is not interchangeable with other measure words like 个 or 条, which are used for different object types. As a surname, it is capitalized in English and used as a proper noun.

Avoid confusing 支 as a measure word with its use in compound verbs like 支持, where it functions as part of the verb meaning 'to support'.

Example Sentences

这支笔很贵，是进口的。

Zhè zhī bǐ hěn guì, shì jìnkǒu de.

This pen is expensive; it is imported.

我们队有三支队伍参加比赛。

Wǒmen duì yǒu sān zhī duìwǔ cānjiā bǐsài.

Our team has three squads participating in the competition.

支先生是我们公司的经理。

Zhī xiānsheng shì wǒmen gōngsī de jīnglǐ.

Mr. Zhi is the manager of our company.