穉 (zhì) - Young & immature

穉Tone 4

zhì ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

志

穉 · zhì

Young;

immature;

tender;

refers to youth, childhood, or something in an early stage of development.

Youngimmaturetender

Usage highlights

ChildishChildlike innocenceYoung and tenderNaive and clumsyChildhoodImmature melon

Synonyms

  • 幼— young; immature
  • 嫩— tender; delicate
  • 少— young; few

Antonyms

  • 老— old; aged
  • 熟— mature; ripe
  • 成— adult; completed

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The child is still young and immature (稚气未脱).
  • She has a youthful face (稚嫩的脸庞).
  • This is a naive question (稚拙的问题).
  • He showed childish innocence (童稚之心).

Collocations

  • Childish(幼稚)
  • Childlike innocence(稚气)
  • Young and tender(稚嫩)
  • Naive and clumsy(稚拙)
  • Childhood(童稚)
  • Immature melon(稚瓜)

Idioms

  • Childish and ridiculous(幼稚可笑)
  • Childlike innocence(稚气未脱)
  • Naive and clumsy(稚拙可爱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally associated with purity and innocence of childhood in Confucian thought.
  • Often used in classical poetry to evoke nostalgia for youth and simplicity.
  • Considered an elegant character in naming, suggesting freshness and potential.

FAQ