織 (zhī) - to weave & to knit

織Tone 1

zhī ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

織 · zhī

to weave;

to knit;

to organize;

to fabricate;

to plait;

a woven fabric.

to weaveto knitto organize

Usage highlights

to weave clothto knitorganizationtextile industrywoven fabricknitting needle

Synonyms

  • 编— to weave; to plait; to compile
  • 纺— to spin; to reel silk

Antonyms

  • 拆— to dismantle; to tear down (opposite of constructing/weaving)
  • 解— to untie; to undo (opposite of weaving together)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She weaves cloth on a loom (织布).
  • This is a hand-knitted sweater (手工编织的毛衣).
  • They organized a rescue effort (组织救援).
  • The spider spins a web (蜘蛛织网).

Collocations

  • to weave cloth(织布)
  • to knit(编织)
  • organization(组织)
  • textile industry(纺织工业)
  • woven fabric(织物)
  • knitting needle(织针)

Idioms

  • To weave a brocade with the flowers(锦上添花)
  • To weave the clouds and embroider the moon(织云绣月)
  • figuratively, as if torn apart, opposite of being 'woven' together(To have one's heart broken (肝肠寸断))

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically a vital craft, especially silk weaving, which was a major Chinese export and cultural symbol.
  • The character appears in terms related to social and political organization, reflecting the idea of 'weaving' together a society.
  • Associated with diligence and skill, as traditional weaving was a meticulous and time-consuming process.

FAQ