贄 (zhì) - Gift presented when meeting a superior — a

贄Tone 4

zhì ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

志

贄 · zhì

Gift presented when meeting a superior — a formal ceremonial offering, typically given to elders, teachers, or rulers as a sign of respect.

Gift presented when meeting a superior — a

Usage highlights

Presenting a giftGift for first meetingRespectful offeringGift ritualScholar's giftWild goose as gift

Synonyms

  • 礼— gift, present
  • 献— to offer, present

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He presented a gift of silk to his teacher (执贽).
  • The ritual required a formal offering (贽见礼).
  • Students brought gifts when first meeting their master (贽敬).

Collocations

  • Presenting a gift(执贽)
  • Gift for first meeting(贽见)
  • Respectful offering(贽敬)
  • Gift ritual(贽礼)
  • Scholar's gift(文贽)
  • Wild goose as gift(雁贽)

Idioms

  • Presenting gifts when first meeting a teacher(执贽请业)
  • Carrying gifts to seek an audience(贽见之礼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originated in ancient Chinese ritual culture where juniors presented gifts to seniors during first meetings.
  • Common gifts included jade, silk, wild geese, or pheasants, each with symbolic meaning.
  • The practice was particularly important in Confucian teacher-student relationships.
  • The character contains 貝 (shell/money) component, indicating its connection to valuable offerings.

FAQ