指控 (zhǐkòng) means 'to accuse' or 'to charge' someone, typically in a legal context. It involves formally stating that someone has committed an offense or wrongdoing, often requiring evidence or support for the claim. This term is commonly used in discussions related to law, journalism, and public discourse.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
zhǐkòng(zhi3kong4) T3
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May 27, 2026
指控zhǐkòng(zhi3kong4)
指控 (zhǐkòng) means 'to accuse' or 'to charge' someone, typically in a legal context. It involves formally stating that someone has committed an offense or wrongdoing, often requiring evidence or support for the claim. This term is commonly used in discussions related to law, journalism, and public discourse.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, accusations can carry heavy social implications, and the legal system is often viewed with skepticism. The use of 指控 can reflect societal attitudes towards justice and the importance of maintaining reputation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a finger (指) pointing at someone while making a loud accusation (控) in court. The finger symbolizes the act of accusing, and the sound of the accusation rings in your ears, helping you remember '指控' as 'pointing an accusation.'
About 指控
指控Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 指控
Podcast: 指控
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AI Study Notes for 指控
Quick Contrast
控告 (kònggào) — use 指控 (zhǐkòng) for informal accusations or general claims, while 控告 (kònggào) is reserved for formal legal charges.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a finger (指) pointing at someone while making a loud accusation (控) in court. The finger symbolizes the act of accusing, and the sound of the accusation rings in your ears, helping you remember '指控' as 'pointing an accusation.'
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the context in which you use 指控, as it can imply serious legal implications. It is more formal than simply saying someone 'blames' another, which would be less severe. Common collocations include 指控某人 (to accuse someone) and 被指控 (to be accused).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 7 vocabulary word, students should focus on understanding its legal nuances and how it relates to other words about crime and justice, such as 罪 (zuì, crime) and 判决 (pànjué, judgment). Practicing in context, such as forming sentences about accusations, will be beneficial.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, accusations can carry heavy social implications, and the legal system is often viewed with skepticism. The use of 指控 can reflect societal attitudes towards justice and the importance of maintaining reputation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 指控 with 指责 (zhǐzé, to blame), which is less formal and does not necessarily imply legal action. Remember, 指控 is used for serious accusations, while 指责 is more about assigning blame in everyday situations.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 指控
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Cultural Notes for 指控
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, accusations can carry heavy social implications, and the legal system is often viewed with skepticism. The use of 指控 can reflect societal attitudes towards justice and the importance of maintaining reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 指控
You can say '他被指控为罪犯' (tā bèi zhǐkòng wèi zuìfàn), meaning 'He is accused of being a criminal.'
Yes, 指控 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly legal or news situations, and should be avoided in casual conversations.
While it can be used informally, it is best suited for serious claims, so consider using other terms for lighter accusations.
