咨 zī to inquire
to inquire; to consult; to discuss
How to remember 咨: 次 time + 口 mouth = to inquire. For the third time that week Grandma opens her mouth at the bank counter, determined to inquire until someone helps.
Component breakdown
咨 = 次 time + 口 mouth
- 次 time
- 冫 ice
- 欠 to lack
- 口 mouth
For the third time that week Grandma opens her mouth at the bank counter, determined to inquire until someone helps.
How it is used
- Almost always appears bound in 咨询 (zīxún) - "to consult, seek advice", as in 咨询医生 (zīxún yīshēng) - consult a doctor.
- Formal and written/business register: consulting firms are 咨询公司 (zīxún gōngsī), customer service desks are often labeled 咨询台 (zīxúntái).
- Compare with plain 问 (wèn) "to ask" - 咨询 implies seeking professional or expert advice, not a casual question.
Words with 咨
Example sentences
- 这件事我已经咨询了律师。 Zhè jiàn shì wǒ yǐjīng zīxúnle lǜshī.I've already sought the advice of a lawyer regarding this problem.