执
hold; execute
At a glance · 执
Evolution of the glyph
Five stages, from a sketch of the real object to regular script — tap a stage, drag the timeline, or play the animation.
Object sketchBefore writing · drawing what was seenOracle boneShang dynasty · c. 1300–1046 BCESeal scriptQin dynasty · 221–206 BCEClerical scriptHan dynasty · 206 BCE–220 CERegular scriptWei–Jin to Tang · c. 3rd–9th century CE
⚠ Some ancient forms are not attested：oracle bone form、seal script form。No excavated oracle bone / seal artifact is attested for this character yet; we leave it blank rather than fabricate.
甲骨文从又（手）从㚔（刑具），象以手逮人，本义为捉拿、持守。小篆作「執」。
What the sketch shows
Origins & notes
本义为捕获、持握，引申为执掌。
Structure
会意字，从又从㚔，表以手拘捕/持物。
At a glance
Pinyinzhí
Radical扌
Strokes6
UnicodeU+6267
Character type会意
Theme动作
Six languages, one character
Each page offers hreflang versions; switching language keeps the glyphs and meanings aligned.
English
hold; execute
To hold or carry out; also govern.
Français
tenir; exécuter
Tenir ou exécuter ; aussi gouverner.
Español
sostener; ejecutar
Sostener o ejecutar ; también gobernar.
العربية
يمسك؛ ينفذ
يمسك أو ينفذ؛ ويُستعار لـ«يحكم».
Русский
держать; исполнять
Держать или исполнять; также править.
Common words
- 执zhíhold
- 执行zhí xíngexecute