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責 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
責zéone's responsibility, dutyx, 11 strokes, radical 貝
zé(ze2)ze T2
  1. 1one's responsibility, duty
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March 24, 2026

責zé(ze2)

The character 責 (zé) refers to one's responsibility or duty, often implying an obligation to fulfill certain roles or tasks. Commonly used in contexts such as work, personal obligations, and moral or ethical duties, it highlights the importance of accountability.

Strokes11Radical貝
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of responsibility (責任) is deeply ingrained, often linked to familial duties and societal roles, emphasizing collective harmony and accountability within relationships.

Memory tip

Imagine a stern teacher holding a scroll (the radical 貝) that lists all the responsibilities (責) of each student. The teacher emphasizes that fulfilling these duties is essential, making the character relatable and memorable.

Meanings of 責

zé(ze2)
1one's responsibility, duty
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 責

責Simplified
11Strokes
貝Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 責

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Podcast: 責

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AI study notes for 責

Quick Contrast

责任 (zérèn) vs 义务 (yìwù) — use 責 when emphasizing personal responsibility, while 责任 focuses more on the concept of duty itself.

Usage Notes

A common mistake is confusing 責 with 责, which is the simplified version used in Mainland China. In formal contexts, it's essential to use 責 appropriately to denote serious responsibilities, while in informal contexts, you might encounter it being used more loosely. Ensure the tone aligns with the seriousness of the duty being discussed.

HSK Study Tips

While 責 is not currently categorized in the HSK levels, it relates to words about obligations and responsibilities that may appear in HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its usage in phrases like 責任 (zérèn, responsibility) to enhance their comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 責 with similar characters like 責任 (responsibility) and may incorrectly use them interchangeably. Always ensure that 責 is used when specifically referring to a duty or obligation, while 責任 encompasses the broader concept of responsibility.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 責

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Etymology of 責

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 責. Phonosemantic compound. 貝 represents the meaning and 朿 represents the sound.

Memory hint

Money 貝 that must be repaid

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 責?

Decomposition of 責

IDS Structure⿱龶貝
責Full character
=
龶xx5
top
貝bei4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 責?

How to say one's responsibility, duty in Chinese

“one's responsibility, duty” in Chinese is責zé

The character 責 (zé) refers to one's responsibility or duty, often implying an obligation to fulfill certain roles or tasks. Commonly used in contexts such as work, personal obligations, and moral or ethical duties, it highlights the importance of accountability.

When to use 責

A common mistake is confusing 責 with 责, which is the simplified version used in Mainland China. In formal contexts, it's essential to use 責 appropriately to denote serious responsibilities, while in informal contexts, you might encounter it being used more loosely. Ensure the tone aligns with the seriousness of the duty being discussed.

責 or something close to it

责任 (zérèn) vs 义务 (yìwù) — use 責 when emphasizing personal responsibility, while 责任 focuses more on the concept of duty itself.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 責 with similar characters like 責任 (responsibility) and may incorrectly use them interchangeably. Always ensure that 責 is used when specifically referring to a duty or obligation, while 責任 encompasses the broader concept of responsibility.

Write 責

責

Practice writing 責 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 責

Words containing this character20
负责fùzéto be in charge of負責
责任zérènblame責任
负责人fùzérénperson in charge負責人
职责zhízéduty職責
指责zhǐzéto criticize指責
责怪zéguàito blame責怪
谴责qiǎnzéto denounce譴責
责zéduty責
责任感sense of responsibility責任感
自责zìzéto blame oneself自責
责备zébèito blame責備
责任制system of job responsibility責任制
责令to order責令
负责任to take responsibility負責任
责任心sense of responsibility責任心
责任人coordinator責任人
尽责to do one's duty盡責
责难to censure責難
斥责to lash out斥責
责成to give sb a task責成
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 責

What does 负责 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 責

責 is the traditional form used in regions like Taiwan and Hong Kong, while 责 is the simplified form used in Mainland China.

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