控 kòng to accuse
to accuse; to charge; to control
How to remember 控: 扌 hand + 空 empty = to accuse. The shopkeeper raises her hand at the boy holding the empty crisp packet, ready to accuse him with theft.
Component breakdown
控 = 扌 hand + 空 empty
- 扌 hand
- 空 empty
- 穴 hole
- 工 work
The shopkeeper raises her hand at the boy holding the empty crisp packet, ready to accuse him with theft.
How it is used
- 控制 kòngzhì "to control" is the core word, used for machines, emotions, and situations alike.
- 失控 shīkòng "to go out of control" appears constantly in news about accidents or crises.
- 指控 zhǐkòng and 控告 kònggào both mean "to accuse/indict" in a legal register.
- More technical/formal than everyday 管 guǎn "to manage, look after."