zi2咫
Jyutpingzi2
Yalejí
Definition
An ancient unit of length, approximately equal to eight inches during the Zhou dynasty.
writtenother
How it's used
This is an archaic unit of measurement that is almost never used in modern daily life. It appears primarily in classical literature or idioms to describe a very short distance. Using it in conversation will sound extremely formal or poetic rather than natural.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
so near yet so far
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 尺, which is the modern unit for a foot. While they share a similar concept of measurement, 咫 is strictly literary and historical.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
