责备

• Pinyin: zé bèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 责 = 主 + 贝 (responsibility/blame); 备 = 夂 + 田 + 用 (to prepare/fully)

Meaning

To blame; to reproach; to censure. To express disapproval or criticism of someone's actions.

Implies a degree of authority or moral standing from which to criticize. Stronger than 批评 (criticize) but less harsh than 斥责 (rebuke). Often used when the criticism comes from superiors, elders, or close relationships.

Examples

1. 老师责备他考试作弊，严厉警告不可再犯。 The teacher reproached him for cheating on the exam and sternly warned him not to do it again.
2. 他因工作失误而受到上司的责备，决心今后更加谨慎。 He was reprimanded by his boss for a work mistake and resolved to be more careful from now on.
3. 母亲责备她深夜不归，言语中满是担忧。 His mother scolded her for not coming home late at night, her words full of worry.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, workplace, family

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他没有责备任何人，而是主动承担了全部责任。(He didn't blame anyone but took full responsibility himself.)
• 面对失败，与其责备他人，不如反思自己的不足。(When facing failure, rather than blaming others, it's better to reflect on your own shortcomings.)

Don't Say

• 责备一下想法 — 责备 is for blaming people for their actions, not for criticizing ideas; use 反对 or 否定

Origin & History

责 (to blame/demand) + 备 (to be complete/equipped, here: fully)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal