Meanings of 狰
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Podcast: 狰
Podcast: 狰
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AI study notes for 狰
Be mindful that 狰 is more often found in literary or descriptive contexts rather than in everyday conversations. It is generally used in a negative sense, emphasizing a threatening or fierce nature. Avoid mixing it up with similar sounding words that have a softer meaning.
While 狰 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with HSK Level 4 words like 凶 (xiōng, fierce) and 恐怖 (kǒngbù, fear). Students should focus on understanding the emotional connotations of words related to fear and ferocity.
Learners often confuse 狰 with 凶 (xiōng), which also means fierce but is more commonly used. For example, saying '这只狰的狗很可爱' (This fierce-looking dog is cute) is incorrect; it should be '这只凶的狗很可爱'.
Pronunciation of 狰
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 狰
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 争 represents the sound. Simplified form of 猙.
dog
Origin
狰 = 犭 + 争. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 狰
Parts
Which of these is part of 狰?
How to say fierce-looking, ferocious in Chinese
“fierce-looking, ferocious” in Chinese is狰
The character 狰 (zhēng) describes something that appears fierce or hideous, often used to convey a sense of ferocity or menacing appearance. It can refer to physical attributes or expressions that evoke fear or intimidation. This term is commonly used in literary contexts to describe creatures or situations that are threatening.
When to use 狰
Be mindful that 狰 is more often found in literary or descriptive contexts rather than in everyday conversations. It is generally used in a negative sense, emphasizing a threatening or fierce nature. Avoid mixing it up with similar sounding words that have a softer meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 狰 with 凶 (xiōng), which also means fierce but is more commonly used. For example, saying '这只狰的狗很可爱' (This fierce-looking dog is cute) is incorrect; it should be '这只凶的狗很可爱'.
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Word Family of 狰
Words with 狰
What does 狰狞 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 狰
Use 狰 in literary or descriptive contexts when discussing creatures, emotions, or situations that are intimidating or fearsome.
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