unknown, 9 strokes, radical 马, rank #13264, Very Hard
骇
hài
to startle
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 马, rank #13264, Very Hard
骇
hài
to hack (computing, loanword)
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 马, rank #13264, Very Hard
hài(hai4)hai T4
1to terrify, to shock, to frighten
2to astonish
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March 24, 2026
骇(駭)hài(hai4)
The character 骇 (hài) conveys the meaning of causing fear or shock, often used in contexts where something is startling or astonishing. It can also refer to the act of hacking in computing, reflecting modern technological influences in language. In both traditional and contemporary usage, it embodies strong emotional reactions, often linked to unexpected events.
Strokes9Radical马Frequency#13264DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of being '骇' is often depicted in Chinese horror films and literature, where the element of surprise and fear plays a significant role in storytelling. This reflects the cultural appreciation for suspense and the supernatural.
Memory Tip
Imagine encountering a large, terrifying beast (represented by the '骇' character), which has sharp claws and a fierce demeanor. The radical 骨 (bone) suggests something fierce or frightening, while the sound 'hài' can remind you of a startled gasp, 'hai!' as you react to its sudden appearance.
Meanings of 骇
hài(hai4)
1to terrify, to shock, to frighten
2to astonish
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 骇 means.
About 骇
骇Simplified
駭Traditional
9Strokes
马Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 骇
Podcast: 骇
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AI Study Notes for 骇
Quick Contrast
骇 (hài) vs 惊 (jīng) — use 骇 for stronger shock or fear, while 惊 is more about surprise.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 骇 with similar-sounding words, so it's important to practice its pronunciation and context. It is commonly used in both informal and formal settings, especially in media reports about shocking events. Be careful with the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 骇 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other words related to fear and shock, such as 惊 (jīng) meaning 'to startle'. Students should focus on understanding its usage in phrases and sentences to better grasp its emotional weight.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 骇 with 驚 (jīng), which means to surprise without the element of fear. For example, saying '我被骇了' (Wǒ bèi hài le) can be mistakenly used instead of '我很惊讶' (Wǒ hěn jīngyà) when one is simply surprised.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 骇
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How Well Do You Know 骇?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 骇 is seven skills, not one.
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.
骇 = 马 + 亥. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 骇
IDS Structure⿰马亥
骇Full Character
=
马Ma3
left
亥hai4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 骇?
How to say to terrify, to shock, to frighten in Chinese
“to terrify, to shock, to frighten” in Chinese is骇hài
The character 骇 (hài) conveys the meaning of causing fear or shock, often used in contexts where something is startling or astonishing. It can also refer to the act of hacking in computing, reflecting modern technological influences in language. In both traditional and contemporary usage, it embodies strong emotional reactions, often linked to unexpected events.
When to use 骇
Learners often confuse 骇 with similar-sounding words, so it's important to practice its pronunciation and context. It is commonly used in both informal and formal settings, especially in media reports about shocking events. Be careful with the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
骇 or something close to it
骇 (hài) vs 惊 (jīng) — use 骇 for stronger shock or fear, while 惊 is more about surprise.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 骇 with 驚 (jīng), which means to surprise without the element of fear. For example, saying '我被骇了' (Wǒ bèi hài le) can be mistakenly used instead of '我很惊讶' (Wǒ hěn jīngyà) when one is simply surprised.
Write 骇
骇
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Practice writing 骇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 骇
骇 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
沉默背后的____人真相慢慢显露出来。
The chilling facts behind this veil of silence were slow to emerge.
