持 (chí) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 持 (chí) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 持 (chí) means "to hold; to maintain". It is an HSK Level 3 character, with 9 strokes and the radical 扌.

Q: How do you write 持 stroke by stroke?

持 has 9 strokes. The radical is 扌. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 持 and 㧜?

持 (chí) and 㧜 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 持?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 扌. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 持?

Common words containing 持 include: 支持 (zhī chí) — to support; to back; 坚持 (jiān chí) — persist / persevere / insist; 保持 (bǎo chí) — maintain; keep.

How to Write 持

The character 持 (chí) is written with 9 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 扌 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

持 is pronounced chí in Mandarin Chinese. It means to hold; to maintain.

As an HSK Level 3 character, 持 is an intermediate-level character.

Common Words with 持

支持 zhī chí

to support; to back

坚持 jiān chí

persist / persevere / insist

保持 bǎo chí

maintain; keep

Example Sentences

我支持你的决定。

wǒ zhī chí nǐ de jué dìng

I support your decision.

我们要坚持到底。

wǒ men yào jiān chí dào dǐ

We should persevere to the end.

请保持室内安静。

qǐng bǎo chí shì nèi ān jìng

Please keep quiet indoors.

Similar Characters

㧜 liè

扭 niǔ

扮 bàn

Practice Writing 持 (chí)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 持 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 持

What does 持 (chí) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 持 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 持 and 㧜?

What mistakes do learners make writing 持?

What common words use 持?

How to Write 持 (chí)