This kana is derived from 『ち』 (chi) with a dakuten (voicing mark). In modern standard Japanese, it is pronounced identically to 『じ』 (ji) from 『し』 (shi). It appears in a limited set of native Japanese words, often due to historical sound changes or rendaku (sequential voicing). For example: 『はなぢ』 (hanaji, 'nosebleed') where it follows a nasal sound. In most cases, 『じ』 is used instead, so beginners should recognize this as a variant sound.