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March 24, 2026
责(責)zé(ze2)
责 (zé) primarily refers to duty or responsibility, often implying an obligation to fulfill certain tasks or roles. It can also convey the act of reproach or blame directed towards someone for failing to meet those responsibilities. This character is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing accountability.
Strokes8Radical贝Frequency#10315DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of responsibility (责任) is deeply rooted in Confucian values, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's roles within family and society. This is often reflected in workplace dynamics where accountability is highly valued.
Memory Tip
Think of 责 as a 'zebra' (zé) wearing a badge of duty. The character has a component representing 'words' (the top part), suggesting communication about one's responsibilities, while the bottom part hints at 'to blame'—imagine a zebra getting scolded for not crossing the road safely.
Meanings of 责
zé(ze2)
1duty
2responsibility
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 责
责Simplified
責Traditional
8Strokes
贝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10315Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 责
Podcast: 责
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AI Study Notes for 责
Quick Contrast
责 (zé) vs 义 (yì): choose 责 when referring specifically to responsibility or blame, while 义 emphasizes moral obligation or righteousness.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 责 as a 'zebra' (zé) wearing a badge of duty. The character has a component representing 'words' (the top part), suggesting communication about one's responsibilities, while the bottom part hints at 'to blame'—imagine a zebra getting scolded for not crossing the road safely.
Usage Notes
When using 责, be careful of its tone when discussing blame, as it can carry a negative connotation. Common collocations include 责任 (zérèn - responsibility) and 责备 (zébèi - to reproach). Avoid using it in overly casual settings where softer language might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
While not part of the official HSK levels, 责 can be connected to other characters related to responsibility like 责任 (zérèn) and 责备 (zébèi), which might appear in higher levels. Focus on recognizing how it is used in different phrases to strengthen your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of responsibility (责任) is deeply rooted in Confucian values, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's roles within family and society. This is often reflected in workplace dynamics where accountability is highly valued.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 责 with 责任, mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我有责' (Wǒ yǒu zé) instead of '我有责任' (Wǒ yǒu zérèn) when intending to say 'I have a responsibility.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 责
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Grammar Patterns of 责
责 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
I have a particular responsibility to ensure I make the right decision.
10
我们必须帮助我们的教友，这是我们的责任。
wǒ mén bì xū bāng zhù wǒ mén de jiào yǒu， ， zhè shì wǒ mén de zé。
We must help our brethren, it is our duty.
Cultural Notes for 责
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the concept of responsibility (责任) is deeply embedded in social and familial relationships. It often emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's roles and obligations towards others.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of responsibility (责任) is deeply rooted in Confucian values, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's roles within family and society. This is often reflected in workplace dynamics where accountability is highly valued.
Word Family of 责
Compounds8
债zhai4debt
绩ji4variant of 績
渍zi4to soak, to steep; dye, stains; sodden
啧ze2interjection of approval or admiration
碛qi4gravel, sand
帻ze2turban; conical cap
箦ze2reed mat; bedding
赜ze2abstruse, deep, profound
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
Compound Meaning
What does 债 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 责
责 (zé) is specifically tied to responsibility and duty, whereas other words like '指责' (zhǐzé) imply a more accusatory form of blame. Understanding these nuances can help in expressing ideas more accurately in Chinese.
Common phrases that include 责 are '责任感' (zérèngǎn), meaning 'sense of responsibility,' and '责备' (zébèi), which means 'to blame' or 'to reproach.' These phrases highlight the various contexts in which the character is used.
责 (zé) means 'duty' or 'responsibility' in Chinese. It can also imply the act of reproaching or blaming someone for an action. The character is often used in contexts related to accountability or obligations.
You can use 责 (zé) in sentences like '我有责任完成这个项目' (Wǒ yǒu zérèn wánchéng zhège xiàngmù), meaning 'I have the responsibility to complete this project.' It emphasizes the obligation one has in a given situation.
责 refers to the act of blaming or reproach, while 责任 specifically denotes the concept of responsibility or duty.
Generally, 责 is more negative, associated with blame; however, it can be used positively to emphasize the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities.
