unknown, 19 strokes, radical 子, rank #16960, Very Hard
孽
niè
sin
unknown, 19 strokes, radical 子, rank #16960, Very Hard
niè(nie4) T4
1bastard child; the consequence of a sin; evil
2disaster
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March 24, 2026
孽(孼)niè(nie4)
The character 孽 (niè) refers to a concept of wrongdoing or the consequences that arise from sinful actions. It is often used in contexts discussing moral failings, disasters resulting from evil deeds, or metaphorically to describe a 'bastard child.' This character has a negative connotation and is typically used in formal or literary contexts.
Strokes19Radical子Frequency#16960DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'sin' and its consequences is deeply rooted in religious texts and moral teachings. 孽 is often discussed in the context of karma and the belief that one's actions will lead to future consequences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'bastard child' (the core meaning of 孽) who is a product of evil acts. The character features the radical for 'child' (子) at the bottom, which can help you visualize the connection to offspring or consequences of actions.
Meanings of 孽
niè(nie4)
1bastard child; the consequence of a sin; evil
2disaster
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 孽
孽Simplified
孼Traditional
19Strokes
子Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 孽
Podcast: 孽
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AI Study Notes for 孽
Quick Contrast
罪 (zuì, crime) - use 孽 when emphasizing the moral consequences of wrongdoing rather than the act itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'bastard child' (the core meaning of 孽) who is a product of evil acts. The character features the radical for 'child' (子) at the bottom, which can help you visualize the connection to offspring or consequences of actions.
Usage Notes
Be aware that 孽 carries a strong negative connotation, making it inappropriate for casual conversation. It is often used in literary or formal contexts, so learners should be cautious about its emotional weight. Common collocations include '孽缘' (nièyuán), meaning 'karmic relationship,' which reflects its deeper implications.
HSK Study Tips
Although 孽 is not included in the HSK levels, it relates to themes of morality found in other HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its negative implications and how it contrasts with more neutral or positive terms.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'sin' and its consequences is deeply rooted in religious texts and moral teachings. 孽 is often discussed in the context of karma and the belief that one's actions will lead to future consequences.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 孽 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 孽 as a neutral term instead of recognizing its negative implications. Always remember to pair it with context that reflects its severity, such as in discussions of morality.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 孽
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Grammar Patterns of 孽
孽 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
自己作的____最难熬.
The evils we bring on ourselves are the hardest to bear.
Example Sentences for 孽 (1)
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1
自己作的孽最难熬.
zì jǐ zuò de niè zuì nán āo.
The evils we bring on ourselves are the hardest to bear.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
The evils we bring on ourselves are the hardest to bear.
Tap tokens to build the sentence
Cultural Notes for 孽
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'sin' and its consequences is deeply rooted in religious texts and moral teachings. 孽 is often discussed in the context of karma and the belief that one's actions will lead to future consequences.
Word Family of 孽
Words Containing This Character11
罪孽sin
孽nièsin
妖孽evildoer
作孽to sin
造孽to do evil
孽种vile spawn孽種
余孽remaining evil element餘孽
孽障evil creature
冤孽sin (in Buddhism)
残渣余孽evil elements who have escaped eradication殘渣餘孽
孽报bad karma孽報
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 罪孽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 孽
Yes, but it is primarily found in literary works or discussions of morality rather than in everyday conversation.
No, 孽 consistently carries a negative connotation related to sin and evil.
Common phrases include 孽缘 (nièyuán), which implies a relationship borne out of past sins.
