The use of 指责 (zhǐzé) is deeply connected to the cultural concept of 面子 (miànzi), or “face,” which represents a person's social standing, reputation, and dignity. To publicly 指责 someone is to directly challenge their competence and integrity, causing them to “lose face.” Because maintaining social harmony is highly valued, such direct confrontation is often avoided. People may prefer to use indirect communication or less harsh words. Comparison to Western Culture: In American or Western contexts, “criticism” can often be framed as constructive (“constructive criticism”) and is a common part of feedback in work or school. 指责 (zhǐzé), however, rarely has this constructive connotation. It is almost exclusively negative and accusatory. While an American boss might “criticize” an employee's report to help them improve, a Chinese boss who uses 指责 is delivering a serious reprimand and assigning blame for a failure. Using 指责 inappropriately can be seen as aggressive, rude, and disrespectful, potentially damaging a relationship beyond repair. It's reserved for situations where a clear line has been crossed and blame must be formally assigned.
The most common mistake for learners is to confuse 指责 (zhǐzé) with 批评 (pīpíng).
INCORRECT USAGE:
Think of it this way: You 批评 a plan, but you 指责 a person.