About
谘 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left side, the speech radical 讠, relates it to verbal communication or inquiry. The right side, 咨, provides the "zī" pronunciation and reinforces the meaning of consultation. The traditional form is 諮, with the full speech radical 言. Etymologically, it describes the formal act of seeking expert advice or inquiring about official matters. This character remains common in modern formal vocabulary, as seen in words like "咨询" (zīxún), meaning consultation or advisory services.