(chí)

HSK 39 strokes

to hold

Stroke order animation

Character information

Pinyin
chí
Meaning
to hold; to grasp; to support; to maintain; to persevere; to manage; to run (i.e. administer); to control
Strokes
9
HSK level
HSK 3
Traditional
Same

Origin & structure

Where comes from and how its parts fit together.

Phonetic-semantic compound⿰扌寺

In this compound, the meaning comes from (hand); supplies the sound.

One part carries the meaning, the other suggests the sound.

Made of

Parts are arranged left to right.

How to write step by step

9 strokes — each frame adds one stroke, shown in dark ink over the lighter ones.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9

Words with

Common words using — tap any character to open its stroke-order page.

zhǔchí
HSK 3

to take charge of; to manage or direct; to preside over; to uphold; to stan…

Open 主持 page →
bǎochí
HSK 3

to keep; to maintain; to hold; to preserve

Open 保持 page →
jiānchí
HSK 3

to persevere with

Open 坚持 page →
HSK 6

host; master of ceremonies; (TV or radio) presenter; anchor

Open 主持人 page →
jiéchí
HSK 7-9

to kidnap

Open 劫持 page →
HSK 7-9

(idiom) to persevere unremittingly; to keep going until the end

Open 坚持不懈 page →
chí
HSK 7-9

to help

Open 扶持 page →
chíjiǔ
HSK 7-9

lasting

Open 持久 page →

Related characters

Ready to master 持?

Trace 持 stroke by stroke in the online practice tool, or turn it into a printable worksheet PDF with Tianzige practice grids, pinyin, and stroke-order breakdowns.