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March 24, 2026
咨zī(zi1)
The character 咨 (zī) means to consult or inquire, often in the context of seeking advice or discussing matters with others. It is frequently used in formal settings, such as in legal or business consultations, and implies a thoughtful exchange of information or planning.
Strokes9Radical口Frequency#63451DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, consulting is often seen as a sign of respect and humility, reflecting the value placed on collective wisdom and the importance of seeking guidance from others, especially elders or experts.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are sitting at a café, sipping tea ('茶', pronounced 'chá'), while consulting ('咨') with a friend about your plans. The sound 'zī' can be remembered as you 'see' your friend, making it easy to recall the act of consulting.
Meanings of 咨
zī(zi1)
1to consult
2to inquire, to consult, to discuss; to plan
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 咨
咨Simplified
9Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#63451Frequency Rank
Podcast: 咨
Podcast: 咨
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AI Study Notes for 咨
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 咨 with similar-sounding characters like 资 (zī, meaning 'resources') or 思 (sī, meaning 'think'). It is primarily used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 咨询 (zīxún, 'to consult') and 咨询师 (zīxún shī, 'consultant').
HSK Study Tips
While 咨 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of formal discussions and written texts. Focus on recognizing it in context, especially in phrases related to advice and consultation, as these will be beneficial at higher HSK levels.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 咨 in informal contexts, such as saying '我想咨你' (Wǒ xiǎng zī nǐ), which is incorrect. Instead, use 询问 (xúnwèn) for informal inquiries, saying '我想问你' (Wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 咨
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Drill the tone of 咨 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 次 represents the sound.
1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
2The sound half次 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 咨? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 咨?
Decomposition of 咨
IDS Structure⿱次口
咨Full Character
=
次ci4
top
口kou3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 咨?
How to say to consult in Chinese
“to consult” in Chinese is咨zī
The character 咨 (zī) means to consult or inquire, often in the context of seeking advice or discussing matters with others. It is frequently used in formal settings, such as in legal or business consultations, and implies a thoughtful exchange of information or planning.
When to use 咨
Learners often confuse 咨 with similar-sounding characters like 资 (zī, meaning 'resources') or 思 (sī, meaning 'think'). It is primarily used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 咨询 (zīxún, 'to consult') and 咨询师 (zīxún shī, 'consultant').
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 咨 in informal contexts, such as saying '我想咨你' (Wǒ xiǎng zī nǐ), which is incorrect. Instead, use 询问 (xúnwèn) for informal inquiries, saying '我想问你' (Wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ).
Write 咨
咨
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Practice writing 咨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 咨
咨 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
