HSK 4, zg, 6 strokes, radical 止, rank #442, Medium
此
cǐ
these
HSK 4, zg, 6 strokes, radical 止, rank #442, Medium
此
cǐ
this, these; in this case, then
HSK 4, zg, 6 strokes, radical 止, rank #442, Medium
cǐ(ci3) T3
1this
2these
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March 24, 2026
此cǐ(ci3)
此 (cǐ) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this' or 'these' in Mandarin. It is often used in formal contexts, such as in written language or speeches, to indicate something that is close in distance or relevance. The nuance of this character implies specificity and can also refer to 'in this case' when making a point.
Strokes6Radical止Frequency#442DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, 此 is frequently used to evoke a sense of immediacy and relevance, making it a staple in poetry and formal documents. Its use reflects the importance of clarity and precision in Chinese communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person pointing to a specific item in front of them, saying '此' (this) while their arm extends in that direction. The character 此 resembles a person pointing with their hand (the horizontal stroke) and the ground (the vertical strokes), emphasizing the act of indicating something nearby.
Meanings of 此
cǐ(ci3)
1this
2these
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 此
此Simplified
6Strokes
止Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#442Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 此
Podcast: 此
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AI Study Notes for 此
Quick Contrast
此 (cǐ) vs 这 (zhè) — use 此 for formal contexts or specificity, while 这 is more casual.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person pointing to a specific item in front of them, saying '此' (this) while their arm extends in that direction. The character 此 resembles a person pointing with their hand (the horizontal stroke) and the ground (the vertical strokes), emphasizing the act of indicating something nearby.
Usage Notes
此 is typically used in formal and literary contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation where '这' (zhè) would be more appropriate. Common collocations include '此时' (cǐ shí - at this time) and '此地' (cǐ dì - this place). Be careful with pronunciation as it has a falling tone, which can change meaning.
HSK Study Tips
此 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it is related to other demonstratives like '这' (zhè) and '那' (nà). Focus on understanding its formal usage and how it contrasts with more common terms as you expand your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, 此 is frequently used to evoke a sense of immediacy and relevance, making it a staple in poetry and formal documents. Its use reflects the importance of clarity and precision in Chinese communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 此 with 这 and use it in casual contexts, which can sound overly formal. For example, saying '此是我的朋友' (This is my friend) is awkward; instead, say '这是我的朋友'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 此
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Grammar Patterns of 此
此 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
In classical Chinese literature, 此 is frequently used to evoke a sense of immediacy and relevance, making it a staple in poetry and formal documents. Its use reflects the importance of clarity and precision in Chinese communication.
Word Family of 此
Compounds37
些xie1some
紫zi3purple
柴Chai2surname Chai
雌ci2female
疵ci1flaw, fault, defect; disease
龇zi1to bare one's teeth; crooked teeth
跐
呲ci1to grimace; to bare one's teeth
眦zi4eye socket; the corner of the eye
髭zi1mustache
泚
佌
呰
玼
胔
茈ci2a plant yielding a red dye
觜zi1beak
訾Zi1to criticize, to bad-mouth; defect; betrayal
赀zi1wealth, property; to estimate, to count
骴
鮆
啙
姕
庛
歶
皉
眥zi4eye socket; the corner of the eye
砦zhai4stockade, fort, military outpost; brothel
祡
紪
訿
貲zi1wealth, property; to estimate, to count
鈭
頾
飺
鴜
齜zi1to bare one's teeth; crooked teeth
Words Containing This Character20
此cǐthis
如此rúcǐso
因此yīncǐthus
彼此bǐcǐeach other
此次cǐcìthis time
此外cǐwàibesides
为此wèicǐfor this reason為此
此时cǐshínow此時
此前cǐqiánbefore this
从此cóngcǐfrom now on從此
此刻cǐkènow
在此hereto
与此同时yǔcǐtóngshíat the same time與此同時
由此yóucǐhereby
就此thus
到此为止to end here到此為止
此后cǐhòuafter this此後
以此with this
除此之外chúcǐzhīwàiapart from this
此地here
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 些 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 此
You should use 此 (cǐ) when writing or speaking in a formal context where clarity and specificity are important. In everyday conversation, 这个 (zhè ge) is more common and natural. Choosing between them depends on the level of formality required.
此 (cǐ) is generally considered formal and is often used in written Chinese, official documents, and speeches. In casual conversation, people might prefer using 这个 (zhè ge) instead to mean 'this'.
此 (cǐ) translates to 'this' or 'these' in English. It's often used in formal writing or speech to refer to something specific that is close in context. For example, you might say '此书' to mean 'this book'.
To use 此 (cǐ) in a sentence, you can place it before a noun or pronoun to specify what you're referring to. For example, '此人是我的朋友' means 'This person is my friend'. It's commonly used in written Chinese.
Use 此 in formal situations, such as writing or speeches, while 这 is more common in everyday conversation.
No, 此 is primarily used for objects or situations; for people, you would typically use 这.
Yes, but mainly in formal contexts; in informal speech, 这 is preferred.
