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March 24, 2026
疚jiù(jiu4)
The character 疚 (jiù) conveys feelings of guilt, remorse, or sorrow, often related to a sense of wrongdoing or chronic illness. It is commonly used in contexts discussing emotional states, particularly in literature or moral discussions, and can also refer to ongoing health issues.
Strokes8Radical疒Frequency#90975DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, feelings of guilt and remorse are often linked to Confucian values, where maintaining harmony and moral integrity is emphasized. The character embodies the weight of social expectations and personal honor.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person carrying a heavy burden of guilt, represented by the character's radical 疒, which relates to illness. Picture them in a sorrowful state, saying 'jiù' as they reflect on their remorse, linking the sound to their emotional struggle.
Meanings of 疚
jiù(jiu4)
1chronic disease; guilt, remorse; sorrow
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 疚
疚Simplified
8Strokes
疒Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 疚
Podcast: 疚
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AI Study Notes for 疚
Quick Contrast
愧 (kuì) - use 疚 (jiù) when referring to a deeper, often chronic sense of guilt or remorse, while 愧 (kuì) implies a more immediate or situational feeling of shame.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person carrying a heavy burden of guilt, represented by the character's radical 疒, which relates to illness. Picture them in a sorrowful state, saying 'jiù' as they reflect on their remorse, linking the sound to their emotional struggle.
Usage Notes
This character is typically used in serious or formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Be careful not to confuse 疚 with other similar-sounding characters; focus on the emotional and moral implications associated with it.
HSK Study Tips
While 疚 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, its emotional depth connects with HSK Level 4 and 5 words that discuss feelings and moral dilemmas, such as 愧疚 (kuìjiù, to feel guilty). Students should focus on understanding its usage in literature and discussions of morality.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, feelings of guilt and remorse are often linked to Confucian values, where maintaining harmony and moral integrity is emphasized. The character embodies the weight of social expectations and personal honor.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 疚 with 愧 (kuì), which also relates to guilt but has a slightly different nuance. Remember that 疚 specifically emphasizes chronic feelings of guilt or remorse.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 疚
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Grammar Patterns of 疚
疚 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
当我们感到愤怒时，压抑这种情绪反而会觉得内____。
When we feel anger, we bury the emotion and feel guilty instead.
He's hoping that if he makes me feel guilty, I'll retract.
3
我很高兴他会有负疚感。
wǒ hěn gāo xīng tā huì yǒu fù jiù gǎn。
I'm so glad he had a pang of conscience.
4
“它没多大的文学价值，”他近乎愧疚地说道。
“ “ tā méi duō dà de wén xué jià，” zhí ，” tā jìn hū kuì jiù dì。
"It's of no great literary merit," he said, almost apologetically.
5
他感到几分内疚.
tā gǎn dào jī fēn nèi jiù.
He felt a kind of compunction.
6
他们觉得羞愧和内疚，就好像这是他们的错。
tā mén jué dé xiū kuì hé nèi jiù， ， jiù hǎo xiàng zhè shì tā mén de。
They feel shame and guilt as though it is their fault.
7
我对整件事深感内疚和气愤。
wǒ duì zhěng jiàn shì shēn gǎn nèi jiù hé qì fèn。
I feel so guilty and angry about the whole issue.
8
要是他觉得内疚，把东西拿回来了怎么办？
yào shì tā jué dé nèi jiù， ， bǎ dōng xī ná huí lái le zěn mó？
What if he got a guilty conscience and brought it back?
9
马尔科姆认为他在为其私底下两面派的行为而心生愧疚。
mǎ ěr kē mǔ rèn wéi tā zài wéi qí sī dǐ xià liǎng miàn pài de háng wéi ér xīn shēng kuì jiù。
Malcolm believed he was guilty of duplicity in his private dealings.
10
她见到我时一脸歉疚。
tā jiàn dào wǒ shí yī liǎn qiàn jiù。
When she saw me she looked guilty.
Cultural Notes for 疚
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, feelings of guilt and remorse are often linked to Confucian values, where maintaining harmony and moral integrity is emphasized. The character embodies the weight of social expectations and personal honor.
Word Family of 疚
Words Containing This Character5
内疚guilty conscience內疚
愧疚to feel guilty
疚jiùguilt
歉疚remorseful
负疚to feel guilty負疚
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 内疚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 疚
The pronunciation is 'jiù', with a falling tone. Practice saying it while reflecting on the concept of guilt.
No, 疚 is inherently negative, related to feelings of guilt or remorse, and is not used in positive situations.
