Meanings of 叱
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About 叱
Podcast: 叱
Podcast: 叱
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AI Study Notes for 叱
叱 (chì) vs 责 (zé) — use 叱 for a more authoritative scolding, while 责 often implies a moral or formal reprimand.
Be cautious not to use 叱 in overly formal contexts; it is more informal and can come across as harsh. Common collocations include 叱责 (chìzé, to scold) and 叱问 (chìwèn, to interrogate or question sharply).
While 叱 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects with other words related to communication and discipline. Focus on recognizing its tone and context in conversations about authority or teaching.
Learners often confuse 叱 with 斥 (chì), which also means to scold but carries a stronger connotation of reprimanding. For example, saying 斥责 (chìzé) instead of 叱责 (chìzé) can change the tone from a mild reprimand to a harsh one.
Pronunciation of 叱
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Etymology of 叱
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 匕 represents the sound.
mouth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 叱
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 匕 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half匕 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymouth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 叱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 叱
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How to say to scold, to upbraid; to shout at in Chinese
“to scold, to upbraid; to shout at” in Chinese is叱
The character 叱 (chì) means to scold or shout at someone, often in a commanding or authoritative manner. It is commonly used in contexts where reprimanding or expressing strong disapproval is involved, such as in familial or educational settings.
When to use 叱
Be cautious not to use 叱 in overly formal contexts; it is more informal and can come across as harsh. Common collocations include 叱责 (chìzé, to scold) and 叱问 (chìwèn, to interrogate or question sharply).
叱 or something close to it
叱 (chì) vs 责 (zé) — use 叱 for a more authoritative scolding, while 责 often implies a moral or formal reprimand.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 叱 with 斥 (chì), which also means to scold but carries a stronger connotation of reprimanding. For example, saying 斥责 (chìzé) instead of 叱责 (chìzé) can change the tone from a mild reprimand to a harsh one.
Write 叱
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Practice writing 叱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 叱
叱 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
他把脸扭成一团,大声呵____, 举起手来要打.
His face contorted to a snarl, his hand raised to strike.
Example Sentences for 叱 (2)
Cultural Notes for 叱
In Western cultures, scolding might be viewed more negatively and could lead to feelings of resentment, whereas in Chinese culture, it is often perceived as a necessary part of guidance.
Word Family of 叱
Compound Meaning
What does 叱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 叱
No, 叱 is generally too informal for formal communication; it is better suited for casual contexts.
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