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March 24, 2026
谤(謗)bàng(bang4)
The character 谤 (bàng) means to slander or defame someone, typically by making false statements that damage their reputation. It is often used in legal contexts or discussions about ethics and morality, emphasizing the serious consequences of spreading falsehoods about others.
Strokes12Radical讠Frequency#79018DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Slander is a serious issue in Chinese society, often discussed in the context of reputation and honor, especially within business and familial relationships. The character's usage reflects the high value placed on integrity in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ban' on speaking ill of others. The character 谤 has the radical 言 (speech) on the left, indicating that it relates to talking. Picture someone at a banquet (bàng sounds like 'banquet') spreading rumors—this is slander in action.
Meanings of 谤
bàng(bang4)
1to slander
2to defame
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 谤
谤Simplified
謗Traditional
12Strokes
讠Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank
Podcast: 谤
Podcast: 谤
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AI Study Notes for 谤
Quick Contrast
中伤 (zhōngshāng) - use 谤 (bàng) when referring specifically to slanderous statements, while 中伤 (zhōngshāng) can imply harm through both slander and other means.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 谤 in formal writing, as it carries a serious connotation. Common collocations include 谤言 (slanderous words) and 被谤 (to be slandered). Remember to use the correct tone—bàng with a falling tone, not bāng, which means 'to help.'
HSK Study Tips
Although not in the HSK levels, understanding 谤 can enhance your vocabulary related to legal terms and ethical discussions. Focus on its usage with other words related to speech and reputation, such as 诽谤 (defamation).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 谤 with 侮辱 (wǔrǔ), which means insult. For example, saying '我谤了他' (I slandered him) can be incorrect if the intention was simply to insult, which should use 侮辱 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 谤
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Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 旁 represents the sound. Simplified form of 謗.
1The meaning half讠 carries the sense.
2The sound half旁 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayspeech
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 谤? 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 谤?
Decomposition of 谤
IDS Structure⿰讠旁
谤Full Character
=
讠yan2
left
旁pang2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 谤?
How to say to slander in Chinese
“to slander” in Chinese is谤bàng
The character 谤 (bàng) means to slander or defame someone, typically by making false statements that damage their reputation. It is often used in legal contexts or discussions about ethics and morality, emphasizing the serious consequences of spreading falsehoods about others.
When to use 谤
Be cautious when using 谤 in formal writing, as it carries a serious connotation. Common collocations include 谤言 (slanderous words) and 被谤 (to be slandered). Remember to use the correct tone—bàng with a falling tone, not bāng, which means 'to help.'
谤 or something close to it
中伤 (zhōngshāng) - use 谤 (bàng) when referring specifically to slanderous statements, while 中伤 (zhōngshāng) can imply harm through both slander and other means.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 谤 with 侮辱 (wǔrǔ), which means insult. For example, saying '我谤了他' (I slandered him) can be incorrect if the intention was simply to insult, which should use 侮辱 instead.
Write 谤
谤
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Practice writing 谤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 谤
谤 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
公众人物想打赢诽____官司可能会很难。
It can be difficult for public figures to win a libel case.
