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谴责 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
谴责qiǎnzéto denounceHSK 7, v, 23 strokes, rank #7292, Very Hard
谴责qiǎnzéto condemnHSK 7, v, 23 strokes, rank #7292, Very Hard
谴责qiǎnzéto criticizeHSK 7, v, 23 strokes, rank #7292, Very Hard
谴责qiǎnzécondemnationHSK 7, v, 23 strokes, rank #7292, Very Hard
谴责qiǎnzécriticismHSK 7, v, 23 strokes, rank #7292, Very Hard
qiǎnzé(qian3ze2)qian ze T3
  1. 1to denounce
  2. 2to condemn
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March 24, 2026

谴责(譴責)qiǎnzé(qian3ze2)

谴责 (qian3 ze2) means to denounce or condemn someone or something, often in a formal or public context. It is typically used when expressing strong disapproval of actions or behavior that are considered wrong or immoral, such as in political or social issues.

Strokes23Frequency#7292DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, public condemnation can carry significant social weight, often influencing public opinion and policy. The government and media frequently use this term when addressing corruption or social injustice.

Memory Tip

Think of 谴 (qian3) as 'fear' (the radical 气 indicates breath, representing the urgency of denouncing something) and 责 (ze2) as 'responsibility'. Imagine a person taking a deep breath to gather their courage before publicly criticizing an unjust action, emphasizing the weighty responsibility of speaking out.

Meanings of 谴责

qiǎnzé(qian3ze2)
1to denounce
2to condemn
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About 谴责

谴责Simplified
譴責Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#7292Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 谴责

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AI Study Notes for 谴责

Quick Contrast

谴责 (denounce) vs 批评 (criticize) — use 谴责 for stronger, more formal condemnation, while 批评 is for general criticism.

Usage Notes

This verb is often used in formal contexts, such as in news reports or official statements. A common mistake is using it in informal conversations, which can sound overly harsh. Be careful with the tone; using it too lightly can diminish its serious meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, students should focus on its application in complex sentences and its collocations with other words related to judgment and ethics. Understanding its nuances will enhance your ability to discuss moral issues in Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 谴责 in informal contexts, leading to awkward phrases like '我谴责他的衣服' (I condemn his clothes). A more appropriate form would be using a milder verb like 批评 (to criticize) for less serious matters.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 谴责

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Component Characters

谴qiǎnpunishment
15 strokes讠
View full entry
责zéduty
HSK 48 strokes贝
View full entry

How to say to denounce in Chinese

“to denounce” in Chinese is谴责qiǎnzé

谴责 (qian3 ze2) means to denounce or condemn someone or something, often in a formal or public context. It is typically used when expressing strong disapproval of actions or behavior that are considered wrong or immoral, such as in political or social issues.

When to use 谴责

This verb is often used in formal contexts, such as in news reports or official statements. A common mistake is using it in informal conversations, which can sound overly harsh. Be careful with the tone; using it too lightly can diminish its serious meaning.

谴责 or something close to it

谴责 (denounce) vs 批评 (criticize) — use 谴责 for stronger, more formal condemnation, while 批评 is for general criticism.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 谴责 in informal contexts, leading to awkward phrases like '我谴责他的衣服' (I condemn his clothes). A more appropriate form would be using a milder verb like 批评 (to criticize) for less serious matters.

Write 谴责

谴
责

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Frequently Asked Questions about 谴责

谴责 is commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions, political debates, or social commentary.

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