How to Write 诟 (gòu) — Meaning “to insult; to shame”

Think of someone who speaks (讠) behind your back (后). That person is saying mean things about you, so they are insulting or shaming you. This image helps you remember that 诟 means 'to insult'.

The right part 后 has two left-falling strokes (丿) — do not mistake them for vertical strokes. Also, the left radical 讠 is only two strokes: a dot at the top, then a horizontal stroke that bends upward. The whole character is balanced with the right side slightly wider.

诟 (gòu) uses the right component 后, while 讲 (jiǎng) uses 井, and 讳 (huì) uses 韦. Their meanings are also different: 诟 means to insult or criticize harshly, 讲 means to speak or talk, and 讳 means to avoid mentioning a taboo topic.

诟 often appears in formal or written Chinese, such as in the word 诟病 (gòu bìng), which means to denounce or sharply criticize someone or something. You might see it in news articles about public figures or policies, but it is less common in everyday conversation.

Common words containing 诟 include: 诟病 (gòu bìng) — to denounce; to criticize; 诟骂 (gòu mà) — to curse; to revile.