咨询
Traditional: 諮詢
zī xún HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我需要咨询一下医生。
Wǒ xūyào zīxún yīxià yīshēng.
I need to consult a doctor.
你可以咨询公司的律师。
Nǐ kěyǐ zīxún gōngsī de lǜshī.
You can consult the company's lawyer.
他经常咨询老师的问题。
Tā jīngcháng zīxún lǎoshī de wèntí.
He often consults the teacher with questions.
我想咨询一下。
Wǒ xiǎng zīxún yīxià.
I want to consult a bit.
他咨询了医生。
Tā zīxún le yīshēng.
He consulted a doctor.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the characters: 咨 (zī) resembles 'advice' (think of '资' for resources), and 询 (xún) relates to 'inquire' (as in 询问). Together, they mean 'to inquire for advice.' Imagine saying, 'I need to zīxún (consult) the expert before I proceed.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in professional, legal, medical, or business contexts. It is often used when referring to seeking advice from authorities or experts, rather than casual opinions from friends.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a transitive verb with an object (e.g., 咨询律师). It can also be used in the pattern '向 + person/organization + 咨询' (e.g., 向医生咨询). It may function as a noun in compounds like '咨询中心' (consultation center).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, seeking formal consultation (e.g., for business, health, or legal matters) is common and viewed as responsible, especially when dealing with important decisions. It reflects a respect for expertise and authority.

🔄 Similar Words

询问 (xúnwèn) means 'to ask' in a general sense and is less formal, while 请教 (qǐngjiào) implies respectfully asking for guidance, often from a teacher or elder. 咨询 specifically focuses on seeking professional or expert advice.

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