Definition
支 (zhī) is a classifier for long, thin objects like pens and guns, and also for songs/compositions and army divisions. It is distinct from 部 (bù), which classifies films, books, and machines — think 'unit with parts' vs. 'long slender thing'.
classifier
classifier for longthin objects (pens, guns)army divisionsand songs/compositions
Easily confused
- 反fǎnlook-alike(adjective / adverb) opposite; contrary; in reverse
- 只zhǐsound-alike(classifier) used for one of a pair of animals, objects, or body parts; also for boats, certain containers
- 双shuānglook-alike(classifier) pair (for things that come in twos: shoes, socks, hands, etc.)
- 只zhǐsound-alikeonly, just, merely
- 之zhīsound-alike(literary, possessive particle) equivalent to 的
- 之zhīsound-alike(literary pronoun) him, her, it (used as object)
- 指zhǐsound-aliketo point at, to indicate, to show
- 直zhísound-alike(adjective) straight; frank; fair
- 至zhìsound-alike(verb, literary) to arrive
- 值zhísound-alike(verb) to be worth
Examples
- 支。Wǒ mǎi le yì zhī xīn bǐ.I bought a new pen.
- 支。Nà zhī gē hěn hǎo tīng.That song sounds very nice.
- 支。Zhè zhī jūnduì zhèngzài xùnliàn.This army division is training.
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