止

• Pinyin: zhǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 止 = pictograph of a footprint, indicating stopping

Meaning

To stop; to cease; to end; to limit.

A verb meaning to stop, cease, or bring something to an end. Often used in compound words like 停止 (stop), 禁止 (prohibit), 阻止 (prevent), 止痛 (relieve pain). Also appears in formal signs and notices.

Examples

1. 前方施工，游客止步。 Construction ahead — visitors stop here.
2. 医生给她开了止痛药，疼痛很快就缓解了。 The doctor prescribed pain medication for her, and the pain was relieved quickly.
3. 暴雨一直下到深夜才停止。 The heavy rain didn't stop until late at night.

Usage Guide

Context: signs, medicine, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 闲人止步。(No unauthorized entry.)
• 这只是开始，远不止于此。(This is just the beginning, far from ending here.)

Don't Say

• 我止了吃饭。(Incorrect structure — use 停止 or 不再 for stopping activities)

Origin & History

A pictograph of a foot (趾), representing stopping in place. The original meaning was 'foot' (preserved in 趾), later shifted to 'stop'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal