Meanings of 惡
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Podcast: 惡
Podcast: 惡
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AI study notes for 惡
恶 (è, evil) vs 坏 (huài, bad) — choose 惡 (è) for a stronger moral condemnation or intensity.
While 惡 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, it is essential to be cautious with its tone and register, especially when discussing moral issues. A common collocation is 惡行 (èxíng), meaning 'evil deeds'. Learners often confuse it with 好 (hǎo), meaning 'good', so be mindful of their oppositional meanings.
Although 惡 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for understanding negative sentiments in Chinese. Students should focus on related words like 恨 (hèn, to hate) and 讨厌 (tǎoyàn, to dislike) to expand their vocabulary around negative emotions.
Learners often confuse 惡 (è) with 恶 (è), which is the simplified form. Make sure to use the correct form based on the context, as 惡 is used in traditional contexts. A common mistake is to use 惡 to describe any unpleasant situation; instead, use it specifically for moral judgment.
Pronunciation of 惡
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Etymology of 惡
Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 亚 represents the sound. Simplified form of 惡.
heart
Origin
惡 = 心 + 亞. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 惡
Parts
Which of these is part of 惡?
How to say bad, evil, wicked; to hate, to loathe; foul, nauseating in Chinese
“bad, evil, wicked; to hate, to loathe; foul, nauseating” in Chinese is惡
The character 惡 (è) primarily means 'bad' or 'evil', often used to describe morally reprehensible actions or qualities. It can also express feelings of hatred or loathing towards someone or something. In various contexts, it might refer to something that is unpleasant or nauseating.
When to use 惡
While 惡 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, it is essential to be cautious with its tone and register, especially when discussing moral issues. A common collocation is 惡行 (èxíng), meaning 'evil deeds'. Learners often confuse it with 好 (hǎo), meaning 'good', so be mindful of their oppositional meanings.
惡 or something close to it
恶 (è, evil) vs 坏 (huài, bad) — choose 惡 (è) for a stronger moral condemnation or intensity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 惡 (è) with 恶 (è), which is the simplified form. Make sure to use the correct form based on the context, as 惡 is used in traditional contexts. A common mistake is to use 惡 to describe any unpleasant situation; instead, use it specifically for moral judgment.
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Word Family of 惡
Words with 惡
What does 恶心 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 惡
It is pronounced as 'è' with a falling tone.
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