How to Write 咨 (zī) — Meaning “to consult; to inquire”

Think of '次' (next) and '口' (mouth) — you use your mouth to ask the next question. Visualize a consultant saying "Next, please ask me" with their mouth open.

Write the top component 次 first with the left stroke leaning left, then the right part narrower. The bottom 口 should be slightly wider than the top, centered below. A common mistake is making the mouth too small or off-center.

君 (jūn, 'lord') has a different top part (尹) and means 'ruler', not related to consulting. 吝 (lìn, 'stingy') has 文 on top and 口 below, meaning 'grudging'. Unlike 咨, neither involves inquiry or consultation.

咨 appears mainly in formal or professional contexts like 咨询 (zīxún, 'consultation') for services such as legal advice or customer service. You'll see it on signs like 咨询台 (information desk) in offices or hospitals, indicating a place for asking questions.

Common words containing 咨 include: 咨询 (zī xún) — to consult; consultation; 咨询台 (zī xún tái) — information desk; inquiry desk; 咨询师 (zī xún shī) — consultant; counselor.