枳
How to Say
How to Write
Meaning: hedge thorn
💡 A tree (木) with only (只) thorns: hedge thorn.
Compounds
Character Story & Explanation
In rural China, farmers often plant 枳 (zhǐ) as a natural fence. Its thorny branches deter animals, while its fruit, zhǐ shi (bitter orange), is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat digestive issues. The character combines 木 (tree) with 只 (single), suggesting a solitary thorny shrub. This character appears in the idiom ‘枳棘丛中’ (among thorns and brambles), symbolizing a difficult environment.
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up
Your First Step into Chinese Culture: Get a Chinese Name
Every journey into Chinese begins with a name. Use our free Chinese name generator to create a meaningful, personalized Chinese name that fits you perfectly.
Get My Chinese Name →
0