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March 24, 2026
指责(指責)zhǐzé(zhi3ze2)
指责 (zhǐzé) means to criticize or to find fault with someone or something. It is often used in contexts where someone is pointing out mistakes or shortcomings, and it can carry a strong connotation of disapproval. This verb can be employed in both personal and professional settings, often to express dissatisfaction or to hold someone accountable for their actions.
Frequency#4230DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, direct criticism can sometimes be seen as rude, so the usage of 指责 should be carefully considered depending on the relationship with the person being criticized. In formal settings, it’s often more acceptable to use indirect language when pointing out faults.
Memory Tip
Imagine a finger (指) pointing at someone while shouting 'ze!' to criticize them. The character 指 (zhǐ) means 'to point,' and 责 (zé) relates to 'responsibility' or 'blame.' Visualizing someone physically pointing out flaws can help you remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 指责
zhǐzé(zhi3ze2)
1to criticize
2to find fault with
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 指责
指责Simplified
指責Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4230Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 指责
Podcast: 指责
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AI Study Notes for 指责
Quick Contrast
批评 (pīpíng) vs 指责 (zhǐzé): use 指责 when the criticism is more focused on blame or fault-finding, while 批评 is broader and can be more constructive.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a finger (指) pointing at someone while shouting 'ze!' to criticize them. The character 指 (zhǐ) means 'to point,' and 责 (zé) relates to 'responsibility' or 'blame.' Visualizing someone physically pointing out flaws can help you remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone used when employing 指责, as it can come off as harsh or confrontational in certain contexts. Common collocations include 指责某人 (to criticize someone) and 被指责 (to be criticized). It's also important to avoid using this word in overly formal discussions unless the situation genuinely warrants it.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 指责 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to criticism and accountability. Students should focus on using it in sentences that reflect nuanced opinions and practice differentiating it from softer terms like 批评 (pīpíng), which means to critique but carries less severity.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, direct criticism can sometimes be seen as rude, so the usage of 指责 should be carefully considered depending on the relationship with the person being criticized. In formal settings, it’s often more acceptable to use indirect language when pointing out faults.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 指责 with 责备 (zébèi), which has a slightly different meaning of 'to blame.' For example, saying '我指责他' (I blame him) is incorrect if you mean to say 'I criticize him,' which should be '我批评他.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 指责
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Grammar Patterns of 指责
指责 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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
我讨厌别人就那件事____我们。
I hate it when people accuse us of that.
Example Sentences for 指责 (10)
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1
我讨厌别人就那件事指责我们。
wǒ tǎo yàn bié rén jiù nà jiàn shì zhǐ zé wǒ mén。
I hate it when people accuse us of that.
2
她指责我把过去忘得一干二净。
tā zhǐ zé wǒ bǎ guò qù wàng dé yī gān èr jìng。
She accuses me of having blocked out the past.
3
被这个无赖指责让人尤其气愤。
bèi zhè gè wú lài zhǐ zé ràng rén yóu qí qì fèn。
It was especially galling to be criticised by this scoundrel.
4
这项开支遭到了一些人愤怒的指责。
zhè xiàng kāi zhī zāo dào le yī xiē rén fèn nù de zhǐ zé。
There have been cries of outrage about this expenditure.
5
总统正因为那件事备受指责。
zǒng tǒng zhèng yīn wéi nà jiàn shì bèi shòu zhǐ zé。
Ministers can equally credibly claim that the opposition is to blame.
Cultural Notes for 指责
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, direct criticism can sometimes be seen as rude, so the usage of 指责 should be carefully considered depending on the relationship with the person being criticized. In formal settings, it’s often more acceptable to use indirect language when pointing out faults.
Frequently Asked Questions about 指责
You can say '他指责我工作做得不好' which means 'He criticized me for not doing my work well.'
指责 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone you use as it can sound harsh.
指责 is stronger and implies blame, while 批评 is more about critique and can be more constructive.
