How to Write 止 (zhǐ) — Meaning “Stop”

Imagine a stop sign with three horizontal lines (the three horizontal strokes) and one vertical line (the central stroke) — the simple shape looks like a barrier blocking forward movement. The four strokes form a compact, balanced shape that suggests coming to a halt.

Start with the top vertical stroke, then the left horizontal, then the right horizontal, and finish with the bottom horizontal. Make sure the top vertical is slightly longer than the bottom stroke, and keep all horizontal strokes parallel and evenly spaced.

止 has only four strokes and no extra components, while 正 adds a horizontal stroke at the top (five strokes) meaning "correct" or "proper." 此 contains 止 on the left with an additional component 匕 on the right, meaning "this" or "here."

止 is commonly used in compound words like 停止 (stop) and 禁止 (prohibit) to indicate halting an action. It also appears in medical terms like 止痛 (pain relief) and is seen on signs for "stop" or "no entry" in daily life.

Common words containing 止 include: 停止 (tíng zhǐ) — to stop; to cease; to halt; 禁止 (jìn zhǐ) — To prohibit; to forbid.; 止痛 (zhǐ tòng) — Relieve pain.