枝

• Pinyin: zhī
• Hanzi breakdown: 枝 = 木 (wood/tree) + 支 (branch, phonetic)

Meaning

Branch; twig. Also a measure word for long thin objects like pens, flowers, or sticks.

As a noun, refers to tree branches or twigs. As a measure word, counts long thin items like pens, pencils, incense, flowers with stems, and similar objects. Distinguished from 条 (also for long things) and 棵 (for whole plants).

Examples

1. 春天来了，树枝上长出了嫩绿的新芽。 Spring has come, and tender green buds have grown on the tree branches.
2. 他送给她一枝玫瑰花，表达自己的心意。 He gave her a rose to express his feelings.
3. 我需要买几枝铅笔和一个笔记本。 I need to buy a few pencils and a notebook.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, counting, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 小鸟站在树枝上唱歌。(The little bird is singing on the tree branch.)
• 给我一枝笔。(Give me a pen.)

Don't Say

• 一枝树。(Incorrect measure word — use 棵 for whole trees; 枝 is for branches)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character combining 木 (wood radical) and 支 (branch, phonetic). Depicts a branch extending from a tree.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal