知 stroke order 知 chinese writing meaning 知 chinese character tattoos

The Chinese Character: 知 (zhī)

1. Basic Meaning and Structure

  • Pronunciation: zhī (sounds like "jr" with a high, level tone).

  • Character Meaning: To know; to be aware of; knowledge; wisdom.

  • Character Components:

    • 矢 (shǐ): On the left, meaning "arrow."

    • 口 (kǒu): On the right, meaning "mouth."

  • Literal Interpretation: The structure powerfully suggests "words as swift and direct as an arrow." It represents the concept of speaking with precise, targeted knowledge, or the instant of understanding that "hits its mark" with the speed of an arrow.

2. Deeper Philosophical and Cultural Significance

"知" is a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy, especially in Confucianism and Daoism. It goes far beyond simple factual knowledge.

  • Knowledge vs. Wisdom: In Confucian thought, there is a crucial distinction between "学" (xué - to learn, to study) and "知" (zhī - to know, to understand). "知" implies a deeper, internalized wisdom and moral understanding that comes from reflection, not just rote learning.

  • Self-Awareness: The Confucian ideal "知人者智,自知者明" (Zhī rén zhě zhì, zì zhī zhě míng) means "He who knows others is clever; he who knows himself is enlightened." This makes "知" a symbol of introspection and self-mastery.

  • The Limits of Knowledge (Daoism): In Daoism, "知" is often discussed in terms of its limits. The pursuit of ultimate wisdom sometimes involves recognizing what cannot be known, leading to a state of humble awareness.

  • Consciousness and Perception: It encompasses the simple, pure act of being aware and conscious of something or someone.


知的笔顺【Writing order】ノ一一ノ丶丨フ一

"知" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Interpretations

A "知" tattoo is for the seeker, the philosopher, and the lifelong learner. It is a declaration of one's commitment to the path of understanding.

1. Core Symbolic Meanings

  • The Pursuit of True Wisdom: This is the most profound meaning. The tattoo symbolizes a journey beyond mere information, striving for deep understanding, insight, and enlightenment. It is for those who value wisdom over simple knowledge.

  • Self-Knowledge and Introspection: Drawing from the concept of "自知" (self-knowledge), the tattoo can be a permanent reminder to "know thyself." It represents a commitment to understanding one's own motives, strengths, weaknesses, and true nature.

  • The Moment of Enlightenment: The imagery of the arrow suggests a sudden, piercing insight—a "Eureka!" moment where understanding strikes with clarity and force. The tattoo can commemorate such a moment or express a desire for it.

  • The Power of Conscious Living: It can symbolize a commitment to being fully aware and present in one's life, to live consciously rather than on autopilot.

  • A Love for Learning and Scholarship: For a student, academic, or anyone dedicated to the life of the mind, "知" is a direct symbol of their core values.

2. Personal Interpretations

  • A Marker of a Transformative Realization: It can commemorate a specific event or period of study that led to a fundamental shift in one's understanding of the world or oneself.

  • A Tribute to a Mentor: It could honor a teacher or guide who imparted true wisdom.

  • A Personal Mantra for Growth: It serves as a reminder to always seek deeper understanding and to never stop questioning.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

The character "知" is visually balanced and elegant.

  • Dynamic and Focused: The "arrow" (矢) on the left gives it a sense of direction and purpose, while the "mouth" (口) on the right grounds it.

  • Simple yet Potent: It is clean and easily legible, making it effective as a minimalist tattoo.

  • Calligraphic Potential: It looks exceptional in calligraphic styles, particularly in semi-cursive (行书), where the flow between the components can emphasize the swift, connected nature of thought and understanding.


Important Considerations Before Getting the Tattoo

  1. Profoundly Positive and Intellectual: The character carries deeply positive connotations of wisdom and enlightenment. It is a respected and powerful symbol.

  2. Emphasis on Depth: Unlike more common tattoos, "知" speaks to an intellectual and spiritual depth. It is a quiet, confident statement.

  3. Clarity of Intent: Be clear on what "知" means to you. Is it about self-knowledge, a love for learning, or a specific moment of insight?

Summary of Tattoo Meanings:

  • Primary Meaning: To know; Knowledge; Wisdom.

  • Symbolic Meanings: Enlightenment, Self-Awareness, Insight, Conscious Living, and the Love of Learning.

  • Aesthetic Meaning: An elegant, balanced, and focused character that visually suggests targeted understanding.

Conclusion:

A "知" tattoo is for the individual who believes that the ultimate journey is the one inward and the pursuit of true understanding. It is for the person who values insight over information and self-awareness over external validation. It is a timeless, wise, and deeply intellectual symbol that serves as a permanent compass pointing toward enlightenment and self-mastery.

知字意思【meaning】

知字基本字义解释【Basic meaning】

知zhī zhì(ㄓ ㄓˋ)

⒈  晓得,明了:知道。知名(著名)。知觉(有感觉而知道)。良知。知人善任。温故知新。知难而进。知情达理。

⒉  使知道:通知。知照。

⒊  学识,学问:知识,求知。无知。

⒋  主管:知县(旧时的县长)。知府。知州。知宾(指主管招待宾客的人。亦称“知客”)。

⒌  彼此了解:相知。知音。知近。

⒍  彼此了解、交好的人:故知(老朋友)。

其它知的字义含义

⒈  古同“智”,智慧。

知的异体字【Variant】

知字汉英互译【Chinese-English Translation】

be aware of、be in charge of、inform、know、notify、realize

造字法【Character Creation】

会意:从口、从矢

知的英文翻译【English Translation】

know, perceive, comprehend

知字组词【Word Grouping】

料知;谕知;先知;益知;迪知;良知;知举;稔知;知丘;知名;意知;了知;故知;知心;知务;

知字取名的寓意【The meaning of the name】

知字取名寓指有学问、独到见解、聪明、友善之意。中性字,用字频率为百分名字中使用了1044次,点击查看知字起名

知字取名的含义是什么【What does the name mean?】:

知字取名义指贤淑,独立,睿智之义;

知配什么字最好【What word is best?】

起名知配什么字最好【What word is best?】?知配什么字最好【What word is best?】男孩可配威、学、耀、汉、贵等字起名大气好听的。女孩知字配什么字好听可配雅、依、馨、莹、玲等字起名最好听。

与知字搭配的最佳男孩名字【Best boy names that go with this word】

  • xiao zhi小知

  • yi zhi宜知

  • zhi ben知本

  • zhi zhou知洲

  • zhi chong知翀

  • zhi zhou知舟

与知字搭配的最佳女孩名字【Best girl names that go with this word】

  • zhi xian知娴

  • mei zhi美知

  • gu zhi顾知

  • zhi yue知玥

  • zhi ping知萍

  • zhi lan知岚