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责备 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
责备
zébèi
to blame
HSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #6680, Very Hard
责备
zébèi
to criticize
HSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #6680, Very Hard
责备
zébèi
condemnation
HSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #6680, Very Hard
责备
zébèi
reproach
HSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #6680, Very Hard
zébèi(ze2bei4)ze bei T2
1to blame
2to criticize
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March 24, 2026
责备(責備)zébèi(ze2bei4)
责备 (zé bèi) refers to the act of blaming or criticizing someone for a mistake or wrongdoing. It is often used in formal settings, such as workplaces or educational environments, to express disapproval of someone's actions or decisions.
Strokes16Frequency#6680DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, group harmony is often prioritized, so 责备 can be seen as a serious issue, especially in family or team settings. Public criticism is generally avoided to maintain face (面子), making private discussions more common.
Memory tip
Imagine a teacher pointing a finger at a student while saying '责备' with a stern look. The character '责' looks like a person holding a scale of justice, emphasizing the act of holding someone accountable, while '备' suggests preparing for a serious conversation about one’s actions.
Meanings of 责备
zébèi(ze2bei4)
1to blame
2to criticize
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 责备
责备Simplified
責備Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6680Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 责备
Podcast: 责备
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AI study notes for 责备
Quick Contrast
指责 (zhǐzé) - use 责备 for expressing blame in a more formal context, while 指责 often implies a more direct accusation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when using 责备, as it can come across as harsh or overly critical. It is more suitable in formal contexts rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include 责备某人 (to blame someone) and 责备行为 (to criticize behavior).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 责备 connects with terms related to accountability and judgment, such as 批评 (pīpíng, criticism) and 指责 (zhǐzé, to accuse). Focus on using it in sentences that involve responsibility and critique.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 责备 with 表扬 (biǎoyáng, to praise), using it in positive contexts. For example, saying '我责备她的好表现' (I blame her good performance) is incorrect; it should be '我表扬她的好表现' (I praise her good performance).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 责备
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责备 (zé bèi) refers to the act of blaming or criticizing someone for a mistake or wrongdoing. It is often used in formal settings, such as workplaces or educational environments, to express disapproval of someone's actions or decisions.
When to use 责备
Be cautious of the tone when using 责备, as it can come across as harsh or overly critical. It is more suitable in formal contexts rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include 责备某人 (to blame someone) and 责备行为 (to criticize behavior).
责备 or something close to it
指责 (zhǐzé) - use 责备 for expressing blame in a more formal context, while 指责 often implies a more direct accusation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 责备 with 表扬 (biǎoyáng, to praise), using it in positive contexts. For example, saying '我责备她的好表现' (I blame her good performance) is incorrect; it should be '我表扬她的好表现' (I praise her good performance).
Write 责备
责
备
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Grammar patterns of 责备
责备 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她温柔地____他：“你要多休息，少说话。”
She admonished him gently, "You should rest, not talk so much."
Example sentences for 责备 (10)
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1
她温柔地责备他：“你要多休息，少说话。”
tā wēnróu dì zébèi tā：“ nǐ yào duō xiūxi， shǎo shuōhuà。”
She admonished him gently, "You should rest, not talk so much."
