趾 (zhǐ) - Toe — refers to the digits of the & also used metaphorically for the foundation or base

趾Tone 3

zhǐ ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

趾 · zhǐ

Toe — refers to the digits of the foot;

also used metaphorically for the foundation or base of something.

Toe — refers to the digits of thealso used metaphorically for the foundation or base

Usage highlights

Foot toeToeToenailBase of a mountainAnimal toeCuticle

Synonyms

  • 脚趾— toe (more common modern term)

Antonyms

  • 指— finger (antonym in body part context)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He stubbed his toe (脚趾) on the table leg.
  • The bird has three toes (趾头) on each foot.
  • The company is headquartered at the foot of the mountain (山趾).
  • She painted her toenails (脚趾甲).

Collocations

  • Foot toe(脚趾)
  • Toe(趾头)
  • Toenail(脚趾甲)
  • Base of a mountain(山趾)
  • Animal toe(兽趾)
  • Cuticle(趾甲)

Idioms

  • Cut off the toes to fit the shoes(削足适履)
  • Step by step(趾步)
  • Raise one's head and chest out(趾高气扬)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, the toes are connected to various meridians and reflect overall health.
  • The character 趾 originally meant 'foot' in ancient texts, but its meaning narrowed to 'toe' in modern usage.
  • In some idioms, 趾 is used metaphorically to represent one's foundation or starting point.

FAQ