How to Write 訾 (zī) — Meaning “To slander; to criticize”

Think of the phrase 'This speech is a slander' — the top part 此 means 'this' and the bottom 言 means 'speech'. So 訾 visually combines 'this' and 'speech' to remind you of a critical or slanderous comment. Visualize someone pointing at a piece of speech and saying 'This is bad!'

Write the top part 此 first: start with the left side (止-like strokes), then the right side (匕), keeping it balanced. Then add the bottom 言, which should be slightly narrower than the top. A common mistake is making the top too wide or writing the bottom 言 too large — keep proportions similar so the character looks compact.

The main visual difference is the top part: 訾 has 此 (this), 詈 has 罒 (a net shape), and 詹 has 厃 (a combination like a person's head). In meaning, 訾 means to criticize or slander, 詈 means to scold directly (rare in modern use), and 詹 is mostly a surname or means 'to talk' in classical texts. Remember: 此 for criticism, net for scolding, head for surname.

訾 is uncommon in daily speech and mostly appears in formal or literary contexts, such as in the words 訾议 (to criticize) and 訾毁 (to slander). It is also a rare Chinese surname (姓訾). Culturally, this character carries a negative tone and is often found in historical texts or critiques, not in casual conversation.

Common words containing 訾 include: 訾议 (zī yì) — to criticize; 姓訾 (xìng zī) — Surname Zi; 訾毁 (zī huǐ) — to slander.