嘱咐

• Pinyin: zhǔ fù
• Hanzi breakdown: 嘱 = 口 + 属 (to instruct); 咐 = 口 + 付 (to tell)

Meaning

To enjoin; to urge; to exhort. To give earnest instructions or reminders, especially from elders to younger people.

Implies caring, repeated, or emphatic instructions given out of concern. Often used for parents to children, teachers to students, or doctors to patients. Carries warmth and a sense of responsibility.

Examples

1. 妈妈嘱咐我路上要小心。 My mom reminded me to be careful on the way.
2. 医生嘱咐他按时服药。 The doctor told him to take his medicine on time.
3. 临走前，老师再三嘱咐学生们要认真复习。 Before leaving, the teacher repeatedly urged the students to review carefully.

Usage Guide

Context: family, medical, care

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 父亲嘱咐儿子要诚实做人。(The father urged his son to be an honest person.)
• 护士嘱咐病人术后不要剧烈运动。(The nurse instructed the patient not to exercise vigorously after surgery.)

Don't Say

• 老板嘱咐员工 — sounds too paternal; use 交代 or 吩咐 for work instructions

Origin & History

嘱 (to instruct, entrust) + 咐 (to tell, instruct)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal