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March 24, 2026
责备(責備)zébèi(ze2bei4)
责备 (zé bèi) refers to the act of blaming or criticizing someone for a mistake or wrongdoing. It is often used in formal settings, such as workplaces or educational environments, to express disapproval of someone's actions or decisions.
Frequency#6680DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, group harmony is often prioritized, so 责备 can be seen as a serious issue, especially in family or team settings. Public criticism is generally avoided to maintain face (面子), making private discussions more common.
Memory Tip
Imagine a teacher pointing a finger at a student while saying '责备' with a stern look. The character '责' looks like a person holding a scale of justice, emphasizing the act of holding someone accountable, while '备' suggests preparing for a serious conversation about one’s actions.
Meanings of 责备
zébèi(ze2bei4)
1to blame
2to criticize
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 责备
责备Simplified
責備Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6680Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 责备
Podcast: 责备
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AI Study Notes for 责备
Quick Contrast
指责 (zhǐzé) - use 责备 for expressing blame in a more formal context, while 指责 often implies a more direct accusation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a teacher pointing a finger at a student while saying '责备' with a stern look. The character '责' looks like a person holding a scale of justice, emphasizing the act of holding someone accountable, while '备' suggests preparing for a serious conversation about one’s actions.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when using 责备, as it can come across as harsh or overly critical. It is more suitable in formal contexts rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include 责备某人 (to blame someone) and 责备行为 (to criticize behavior).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 责备 connects with terms related to accountability and judgment, such as 批评 (pīpíng, criticism) and 指责 (zhǐzé, to accuse). Focus on using it in sentences that involve responsibility and critique.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, group harmony is often prioritized, so 责备 can be seen as a serious issue, especially in family or team settings. Public criticism is generally avoided to maintain face (面子), making private discussions more common.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 责备 with 表扬 (biǎoyáng, to praise), using it in positive contexts. For example, saying '我责备她的好表现' (I blame her good performance) is incorrect; it should be '我表扬她的好表现' (I praise her good performance).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 责备
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Grammar Patterns of 责备
责备 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她温柔地____他：“你要多休息，少说话。”
She admonished him gently, "You should rest, not talk so much."
Example Sentences for 责备 (10)
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1
她温柔地责备他：“你要多休息，少说话。”
tā wēn róu dì zé bèi tā：“ ：“ nǐ yào duō xiū， xī ， shǎo。”
She admonished him gently, "You should rest, not talk so much."
It's not good enough just to blame the unruly children.
8
她竖起眉毛，满含责备。
tā shù qǐ méi máo， ， mǎn hán zé。
She raised her eyebrows in reproof.
9
她瞪着他们俩，目光中充满怒火和责备。
tā dèng zháo tā mén liǎng， ， mù guāng zhōng chōng mǎn nù huǒ hé zé。
She glared at both of them with burning, reproachful eyes.
10
他责备妹妹脚下踩着泥走进屋里.
tā zé bèi mèi mèi jiǎo xià cǎi zháo ní zǒu jìn wū lǐ.
He got after his sister for tracking mud into the house.
Cultural Notes for 责备
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, group harmony is often prioritized, so 责备 can be seen as a serious issue, especially in family or team settings. Public criticism is generally avoided to maintain face (面子), making private discussions more common.
Frequently Asked Questions about 责备
Yes, 责备 carries a negative connotation, implying disapproval or criticism.
No, it is primarily used to express blame or criticism and is not typically associated with positive reinforcement.
While both mean to criticize, 责备 implies blame for a wrongdoing, while 批评 can be more general and may not always imply guilt.
