How to Write 致 (zhì) — Meaning “To cause; to result in; to send.”

Imagine you have arrived (至) at a party and you send a message using a pen (攵 looks like a hand holding a writing tool). This visual helps you remember that 致 means 'to send' or 'to cause.' Another trick: think of a mail carrier who arrives (至) and delivers a package (action 攵).

Write 至 first (10 strokes total), starting with the left part: stroke 1 horizontal, then a slanted stroke, then the 'soil' shape, and finally the bottom horizontal. Then add 攵 on the right: 4 strokes (撇, 横, 撇, 捺). A common mistake is making the right part too big or writing 攵 with only three strokes, so count carefully. Keep the left side slightly wider to balance the character.

常用词有 导致 (dǎo zhì) 'to lead to' (often for negative results), 一致 (yí zhì) 'unanimous' or 'consistent' (used in group decisions), and 致力 (zhì lì) 'to devote oneself' (for serious effort). For example, you might say '他的粗心导致了错误' (His carelessness caused mistakes) or '大家意见一致' (Everyone's opinions are consistent).

致 is common in formal writing and speech, especially in news, reports, and official texts. A cultural note: 致 also appears in polite expressions like 致敬 (zhì jìng) 'to pay tribute' and 致谢 (zhì xiè) 'to express thanks,' showing respect. The idiom 专心致志 (zhuān xīn zhì zhì) 'to concentrate wholeheartedly' is often used to praise someone's focus.

Common words containing 致 include: 导致 (dǎo zhì) — To lead to; to cause.; 一致 (yí zhì) — consistent; unanimous; 致力 (zhì lì) — To devote oneself to; to be committed to..