自责

• Pinyin: zì zé
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 自 (self); 责 = 束 + 贝 (to blame/hold accountable)

Meaning

To blame oneself; to feel guilty; self-reproach. The act of inwardly criticising oneself for a perceived fault or failure.

Commonly used in psychological, emotional, and moral contexts. Can be healthy (motivating correction) or excessive (leading to depression). Often discussed in mental health discourse alongside 内疚 (guilt) and 悔恨 (remorse).

Examples

1. 事故发生后，他陷入了深深的自责，无法原谅自己。 After the accident, he was overwhelmed with guilt and couldn't forgive himself.
2. 过度自责无助于解决问题，不如把精力集中在改正上。 Excessive self-blame won't solve the problem; it's better to focus your energy on fixing it.
3. 她为没能及时陪伴父母而感到深深的自责。 She felt deep guilt for not being able to be with her parents in time.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, emotion, morality

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 适度的自责有助于认清错误，但过度自责只会消耗自己的精力。(Moderate self-reproach helps one recognise mistakes, but excessive self-blame only depletes one's energy.)
• 他在自责之余，也积极寻找弥补过失的方法。(While engaging in self-reproach, he also actively sought ways to make up for his mistakes.)

Don't Say

• 自责别人 — 自责 is strictly self-directed; use 指责 or 批评 when the blame is directed at others

Origin & History

自 (self) + 责 (to blame/reproach/hold accountable)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal