How to Write 祗 (zhī) — Meaning “respectfully; only”

Imagine a clan (氏) gathering at a spirit altar (礻) to bow respectfully. The visual of the clan showing reverence at the altar helps you remember the meaning 'respectfully'.

Pay attention to the right part 氏: the final stroke is a curved hook (斜钩) that extends downward and then hooks left, not a straight vertical line. Also, the left radical 礻 should be written narrower and slightly higher than the right part to keep the character balanced.

祗 has the component 氏 (clan) on the right, while 社 has 土 (earth) and 祀 has 巳 (a snake-like shape). Visually, 祗 has a long curved hook at the bottom right, 社 ends with a short horizontal line, and 祀 ends with a curled tail. Their meanings also differ: 祗 means 'respectfully', 社 means 'society' or 'altar of earth', and 祀 means 'to sacrifice'.

祗 is rarely used in everyday conversation; it appears mainly in classical or formal written Chinese, such as phrases like 祗候 (to wait respectfully) or 祗领 (to receive respectfully). It carries a strong sense of politeness and is often seen in historical documents, formal letters, or ceremonial language.

Common words containing 祗 include: 祗候 (zhī hòu) — to wait respectfully; 祗领 (zhī lǐng) — to receive respectfully; 祗奉 (zhī fèng) — to serve respectfully.