兹

• Pinyin: zī
• Hanzi breakdown: 兹 = 艹 + 幺 + 幺 (this, hereby)

Meaning

This; hereby; now; here. A formal demonstrative pronoun used in official documents.

An archaic and highly formal pronoun meaning 'this' or 'hereby.' Almost exclusively used in official documents, legal texts, formal announcements, and classical-style writing. Rarely used in spoken Chinese.

Examples

1. 兹定于下周一召开全体会议。 A full staff meeting is hereby scheduled for next Monday.
2. 兹证明该同志在我单位工作。 This is to certify that this comrade works at our organization.
3. 兹有重要事项通知如下。 The following is to notify you of an important matter.

Usage Guide

Context: official documents, legal, announcements

Tone: official

Do Say

• 兹委任张先生担任项目经理。(Hereby Mr. Zhang is appointed as project manager.)
• 兹收到贵公司来函，特此回复。(Having received your company's letter, we hereby reply.)

Don't Say

• 兹是我的书 — never used in speech; use 这 for everyday reference

Origin & History

Ancient Chinese demonstrative pronoun, preserved in formal usage

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal