Definition
致 (zhì) is a formal verb used in fixed expressions like 致电 (to call), 致谢 (to express thanks), and 致病 (to cause disease). Unlike 送 (sòng), which is for physically giving or delivering objects, 致 is for sending messages or expressing sentiments in a formal manner. It also has a distinct sense of 'to cause' (often a negative result), which no sibling shares.
verb
to send (a message, telegram, etc.)to cause (a result, often negative)to express (thanks, greetings, etc.)
Easily confused
- 到dàolook-alike(verb) to arrive at, to reach (a place or time)
- 只zhǐsound-alike(classifier) used for one of a pair of animals, objects, or body parts; also for boats, certain containers
- 室shìlook-alikeroom (often as a suffix in compound words)
- 只zhǐsound-alikeonly, just, merely
- 之zhīsound-alike(literary, possessive particle) equivalent to 的
- 之zhīsound-alike(literary pronoun) him, her, it (used as object)
- 指zhǐsound-aliketo point at, to indicate, to show
- 支zhīsound-alikeclassifier for long, thin objects (pens, guns), army divisions, and songs/compositions
- 支zhīsound-aliketo prop up, to support
- 直zhísound-alike(adjective) straight; frank; fair
Examples
- 。Tā gěi gōngsī zhì diàn xúnwèn qíngkuàng.He called the company to ask about the situation.
- 。Zhè zhǒng bìngdú kěnéng zhì bìng.This virus may cause disease.
- 。Wǒ dàibiǎo dàjiā zhì xiè.I express thanks on behalf of everyone.
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