斥
Character Story & Explanation
斥 is commonly used in modern standard Chinese in formal contexts: state media frequently employ it in headlines like '外交部斥美方言论' ('The Ministry of Foreign Affairs rebukes U.S. remarks'), and it appears in idioms such as 驳斥谬论 (bóchì miùlùn, 'refute fallacious arguments'), a phrase found in official commentary since the 1950s. It also features in legal terminology, e.g., 法院斥其无理 (the court rejects its groundless claim).
The character evolved from seal script; its early form combined the 'axe' radical 斤 with a phonetic component 少 (shǎo). While not pictographic, its structure reflects the idea of cutting down falsehood or error — consistent with its enduring function in authoritative discourse. Today, Chinese people use it most often in writing, especially journalism and policy statements, not daily speech.
Hello students! Let’s explore the character 斥 (chì), which means 'to blame', 'to rebuke', or 'to reject'. Though it has only five strokes, it carries strong, formal weight — you’ll rarely hear it in casual chat, but often see it in news reports, official documents, or serious discussions. Its tone is stern and authoritative, like a teacher correcting a student or a government statement rejecting false claims.
This character belongs to the 斤 (jīn) radical — originally meaning 'axe' — hinting at forceful action: just as an axe cuts decisively, 斥 conveys sharp, unambiguous disapproval. It’s not gentle scolding; it’s public, principled condemnation. That’s why it appears in words like 斥责 (chìzé, 'to severely reprimand') and 驳斥 (bóchì, 'to refute and denounce').
As an HSK Level 6 character, 斥 reflects advanced vocabulary use — it signals maturity in reading formal Chinese. Don’t confuse it with softer synonyms like 批评 (pīpíng, 'to criticize') or 责备 (zébèi, 'to reproach'); 斥 implies moral authority and finality. Mastering it helps you understand China’s media, legal texts, and political discourse — where precision in expressing rejection matters deeply.
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up
Your First Step into Chinese Culture: Get a Chinese Name
Every journey into Chinese begins with a name. Use our free Chinese name generator to create a meaningful, personalized Chinese name that fits you perfectly.
Get My Chinese Name →