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March 24, 2026
謫zhé(zhe2)
The character 謫 (zhé) primarily means to censure or blame someone, often in a formal or serious context. Additionally, it can refer to the act of exile or banishment, suggesting a punishment for wrongdoing. This character is commonly used in literary or historical texts discussing moral judgments or consequences.
Strokes18Radical言Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, especially classical texts, 謫 is often associated with historical figures who faced exile due to political reasons, reflecting the cultural significance of honor and moral conduct in society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a judge holding a scroll (the character's radical 言, meaning 'speech') while pointing at a person being exiled. The judge's stern 'zhé' (sounds like 'judge') voice echoes through the courtroom, emphasizing the blame and punishment being handed down.
Meanings of 謫
zhé(zhe2)
1to censure, to blame; to exile, to banish
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 謫
謫Simplified
18Strokes
言Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 謫
Podcast: 謫
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AI Study Notes for 謫
Quick Contrast
谴 (qiǎn) - use 謫 (zhé) for formal censure or exile, while 谴 (qiǎn) is more about moral condemnation without the exile aspect.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a judge holding a scroll (the character's radical 言, meaning 'speech') while pointing at a person being exiled. The judge's stern 'zhé' (sounds like 'judge') voice echoes through the courtroom, emphasizing the blame and punishment being handed down.
Usage Notes
When using 謫, it's important to keep the context formal, as it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 謫罪 (to be blamed) and 謫居 (to live in exile). Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 謫 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it connects with intermediate-level words related to judgment and punishment. Students should focus on understanding its nuanced meanings and practice using it in sentences that reflect its formal nature.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, especially classical texts, 謫 is often associated with historical figures who faced exile due to political reasons, reflecting the cultural significance of honor and moral conduct in society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 謫 with 責 (zé) due to the similarity in meaning. For example, saying '我謫他' instead of '我責備他' (meaning 'I blame him') is incorrect; the former implies a more severe consequence, such as exile.
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Pronunciation of 謫
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Cultural Notes for 謫
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, especially classical texts, 謫 is often associated with historical figures who faced exile due to political reasons, reflecting the cultural significance of honor and moral conduct in society.
Word Family of 謫
Words Containing This Character4
谪zhéto censure謫
贬谪to relegate貶謫
谪居(of officials in imperial China) to live in banishment謫居
谪戍in exile as penal servitude謫戍
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 谪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 謫
While 謫 implies a formal censure or banishment, 指責 (zhǐzé) is more about pointing out faults or criticizing someone's actions in a less formal context.
It's generally too formal for everyday use; it is better suited for writing or discussions about literature or history.
Yes, characters like 責 (zé, to blame) and 罰 (fá, to punish) share similar themes but differ in context and usage.
