Meaning of 指责
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to criticize
- to find fault with
- to denounce
How to use 指责
指责 is a fairly formal verb for openly criticizing or blaming someone, often in news, arguments, or public statements. It usually takes a person or action as its object. Example: 他总是指责别人。(Tā zǒngshì zhǐzé biérén.) He is always blaming other people.
指 (zhǐ) means to point, as in 手指 (shǒuzhǐ) finger, and 责 (zé) means blame or duty, as in 责任 (zérèn). Picture someone pointing a finger at you to put the blame on you.
Common mistake: Learners often use 指责 where 批评 (pīpíng) fits better. 指责 sounds harsher and more accusing, so it is odd for a teacher gently correcting homework. Also keep 责 (zé) in the second tone, not zě or zè.
指责 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
指 zhǐ · finger · 9 strokes
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责 zé · one's responsibility · 8 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 指责.
| 负责 | fùzé | to be responsible for; to be in charge of; to bear responsibility for; conscientious |
| 责任 | zérèn | responsibility; duty; liability |
| 手指 | shǒuzhǐ | finger |
| 指导 | zhǐdǎo | to guide; to direct; to instruct; coach; trainer |
| 指出 | zhǐchū | to indicate; to point out |
| 指挥 | zhǐhuī | to conduct; to command |
| 指示 | zhǐshì | to point out; to indicate |
| 指甲 | zhǐjia | fingernail |
| 负责人 | fùzérén | person in charge |
| 指标 | zhǐbiāo | (production) target; quota; index; indicator |
| 职责 | zhízé | duty; responsibility |
| 指着 | zhǐzhe |
Questions about 指责
What does 指责 mean?
指责 (zhǐzé) means "to criticize; to find fault with" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 指责?
指责 is made of 2 characters: 指 (9 strokes), 责 (8 strokes). That is 17 strokes in total.
Is 指责 an HSK word?
Yes. 指责 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 指责 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 指责 is written 指責.
What is the difference between 指责 and 批评?
批评 (pīpíng) is general criticism and can be constructive, like feedback from a boss or teacher. 指责 focuses on blaming or accusing and usually sounds more negative and confrontational.
Can 指责 be used in the passive?
Yes. It often appears with 受到 or 被, as in 他受到了公众的指责 (Tā shòudào le gōngzhòng de zhǐzé), He was criticized by the public. Here 指责 works like a noun meaning criticism or blame.