Chinese character 谂

In Cantonese, 谂 means “think,” “consider,” or “suppose.”

In a Cantonese sentence, bare 谂 is used for everyday thinking: mulling something over, guessing, or giving a personal view. 我諗聽日可能會落雨 means “I think it may rain tomorrow.”

A Chinese dictionary compiled in the Eastern Han period, the Shuowen Jiezi, defines 諗 as “deep remonstrance,” or a grave appeal. Its entry treats 言 as the meaning component and 念 as the sound component. Later classical use also includes telling, remembering, knowing, and advising.

What does 谂 mean in a message?

Usually, read bare 谂 as “think.”

As of 2026, written Cantonese uses 谂 or 諗 in everyday writing, including chats and online posts, for this colloquial sense. Compounds narrow the reading: 谂住 suggests a plan, 谂返 thinking back, and 谂法 a person’s view.

Use the older senses, such as advise, tell, remember, or know, when a classical or literary passage supports them.

Is 諗 a different word?

No; it is the traditional-script form.

Simplified Chinese writes 谂; traditional Chinese writes 諗. They are corresponding script forms used for the same Cantonese word. Match the form to the writing around it.