织

• Pinyin: zhī
• Hanzi breakdown: 织 = 纟 (silk) + 只 (only, phonetic)

Meaning

To weave; to knit; to interweave threads into fabric.

Refers to the process of creating fabric or cloth by interlacing threads. Also used figuratively for weaving together stories, lies, or networks. Common in combinations like 纺织 (textiles), 编织 (knitting), 组织 (organize).

Examples

1. 奶奶正在织一件毛衣，准备送给即将出生的小孙子。 Grandma is knitting a sweater, preparing to give it to her soon-to-be-born grandson.
2. 这种丝绸是用传统手工艺织成的，非常珍贵。 This silk is woven using traditional handicraft techniques and is very precious.
3. 蜘蛛在角落里织着它的网，等待猎物上门。 The spider is weaving its web in the corner, waiting for prey to come.

Usage Guide

Context: crafts, industry, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她正在学织毛衣。(She is learning to knit a sweater.)
• 这块布是机器织的。(This fabric is machine-woven.)

Don't Say

• 我织了一封信。(Incorrect — use 写 for letters; 织 is for fabric)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character combining 纟 (silk radical) and 只 (phonetic). Originally depicted the action of weaving silk threads.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal