How to Write 之 (zhī) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de5])
zhīTone 1 (High)Keep your pitch high and level.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 3 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
zhī
之
(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de5])
Common words
zhī hòu
之后
after; behind; (at the beginning of a sentence) afterwards; since then
zhī jiān
之间
(after a noun) between; among; amid; (used after certain bisyllabic words to form expressions indicating a short period of time, e.g. 彈指之間|弹指之间[tan2 zhi3 zhi1 jian1])
zhī qián
之前
before; prior to; ago; previously
zhī zhōng
之中
inside; among; in the midst of (doing sth); during
zǒng zhī
总之
in a word; in short; in brief
fǎn zhī
反之
on the other hand...; conversely...
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
之
之
之
之
之
之
之
之
COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
Understanding 之
Detailed component breakdown coming soon
Use the stroke animation above to study the character’s complete form.
Traditional etymology note: A foot meaning "to follow"; cursive version of 止
Say “zhī” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 3 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
after; behind; (at the beginning of a sentence) afterwards; since then
之间
zhī jiān
(after a noun) between; among; amid; (used after certain bisyllabic words to form expressions indicating a short period of time, e.g. 彈指之間|弹指之间[tan2 zhi3 zhi1 jian1])
之前
zhī qián
before; prior to; ago; previously
之中
zhī zhōng
inside; among; in the midst of (doing sth); during