哲 (zhé) — (bound form) wisdom; philosophy; sagacity

Definition

A literary bound form meaning 'wisdom' or 'philosophy' — almost always seen as part of a compound like 哲学 (philosophy) or 哲理 (philosophical principle). Standalone use is rare; it carries a classical, written tone.

bound form

wisdomphilosophysagacity

Easily confused

蜇zhēlook-aliketo sting (of insects)
摺zhésound-alike(bound form) to fold
折zhélook-aliketo break, to fracture
蛰zhésound-alike(bound form) to hibernate; to be in a dormant state
辙zhésound-alike(lit.) wheel ruts, track marks left by a vehicle
喆zhésound-alike(variant of 哲) used in given names and surnames; wisdom, philosophy

Examples

。
Tā yán jiū zhé xué.
He studies philosophy.
。
Zhè běn shū chōng mǎn le zhé lǐ.
This book is full of philosophical principles.
。
Gǔ dài zhé rén liú xià le hěn duō zhì huì.
Ancient sages left behind much wisdom.