About
The character 咎, which remains consistent in both traditional and simplified systems, is etymologically composed of the elements 处 (to dwell or manage) and 口 (mouth), a structure suggesting a connection to verbal judgment or censure. Its earliest meanings conveyed a sense of calamity or misfortune, which was understood to arise from a fault or mistake, thus blending the concept of cause and consequence. Over time, the emphasis of the character shifted more decisively from the external misfortune itself to the internal attribution of blame or responsibility for that error, solidifying its primary modern definitions of "fault" or "to blame". This evolution reflects a conceptual refinement where the character came to denote the assignation of culpability rather than merely the resulting ill fate.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他将失败归咎于运气。
别把错误归咎于我。
人们常将问题归咎于政府。
你不应该自咎过度。
这场事故的咎责在他身上。
公司领导引咎辞职了。
无需为他的过失而咎责自己。
尽管多方调查，事故的真正咎因仍未查明。