Meanings of 歹
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About 歹
Podcast: 歹
Podcast: 歹
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AI Study Notes for 歹
Be cautious with the tone; 'dǎi' (bad) has a falling tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding characters. It is often used in formal contexts when discussing morality or crime, so ensure appropriate register. Common collocations include '歹徒' (dǎitú - criminal) and '歹行' (dǎixíng - evil deeds).
Although 歹 is not in the HSK levels, understanding it can enhance vocabulary related to morality and crime. Students should focus on its usage in compound words and phrases to grasp its connotations better.
Learners often confuse 歹 with similar characters, leading to incorrect meanings. For example, using 歹 to mean 'good' instead of its intended negative connotation is a frequent error; remember that 歹 always denotes something bad or evil.
Pronunciation of 歹
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Etymology of 歹
Origin unclear. Possibly represents remnants from a carcass.
A corpse
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 歹
Origin unclear. Possibly represents remnants from a carcass.
- 1The giveawayA corpse
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 歹? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 歹?
Decomposition of 歹
Identify the Components
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How to say bad in Chinese
“bad” in Chinese is歹
The character 歹 (dǎi) refers to concepts associated with badness or wickedness, often linked to evil deeds or negative outcomes. It can also denote death or a corpse, reflecting a darker aspect of life. This character is commonly used in expressions related to moral judgment, crime, or death.
When to use 歹
Be cautious with the tone; 'dǎi' (bad) has a falling tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding characters. It is often used in formal contexts when discussing morality or crime, so ensure appropriate register. Common collocations include '歹徒' (dǎitú - criminal) and '歹行' (dǎixíng - evil deeds).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 歹 with similar characters, leading to incorrect meanings. For example, using 歹 to mean 'good' instead of its intended negative connotation is a frequent error; remember that 歹 always denotes something bad or evil.
Write 歹
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Practice writing 歹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 歹
歹 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
哪有你这么说话的？好____我也是你的长辈。
How can you talk like that? I am your elder, after all.
Example Sentences for 歹 (10)
Word Family of 歹
Compound Meaning
What does 死 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 歹
Common phrases include '歹徒' (criminal) and '歹行' (wickedness), which highlight the negative connotations of the character.
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