Meanings of 杀手
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Podcast: 杀手
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AI study notes for 杀手
杀人犯 (shārénfàn) refers specifically to a murderer, focusing on the criminal act, while 杀手 (shāshǒu) can imply a broader or more skilled connotation, such as a hitman or an expert in a competitive context.
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 杀 (shā) and 手 (shǒu); mispronouncing can change the meaning completely. The term is quite informal when referring to someone as a killer in a casual setting, so context is important. Common collocations include 杀手 (killer) with phrases like '杀手职业' (profession of a killer).
Although 杀手 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be related to other words at the intermediate level that deal with violence or competition. Students should focus on understanding the context in which this word is used, especially in narratives or discussions about crime and sports.
Learners often confuse 杀手 with 伤手 (shāng shǒu), which means 'injured hand.' It's important to remember that 杀手 specifically refers to a killer, while 伤手 describes a physical injury.
Pronunciation of 杀手
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Component characters
How to say killer in Chinese
“killer” in Chinese is杀手
The term 杀手 (shā shǒu) refers to a killer or murderer, often used in contexts involving crime or violence. It can also denote a hit man or, in a sports context, a formidable player who excels in their field. The word carries a strong connotation and is typically used in serious discussions or narratives.
When to use 杀手
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 杀 (shā) and 手 (shǒu); mispronouncing can change the meaning completely. The term is quite informal when referring to someone as a killer in a casual setting, so context is important. Common collocations include 杀手 (killer) with phrases like '杀手职业' (profession of a killer).
杀手 or something close to it
杀人犯 (shārénfàn) refers specifically to a murderer, focusing on the criminal act, while 杀手 (shāshǒu) can imply a broader or more skilled connotation, such as a hitman or an expert in a competitive context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 杀手 with 伤手 (shāng shǒu), which means 'injured hand.' It's important to remember that 杀手 specifically refers to a killer, while 伤手 describes a physical injury.
Write 杀手
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Common confusions with 杀手
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Similar pronunciation but different tones.
Which one
Which one means “killer”?
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Cultural Notes for 杀手
在中国文化中，‘杀手’这个词不仅用于描述凶手，也可以在体育领域指代非常强大的选手，比如足球或篮球运动员，他们在比赛中表现得非常出色。
古语有云：“行行出状元”，意思是每个行业都有佼佼者，杀手可以被看作某个领域的顶尖人才。
The portrayal of killers or hit men in Chinese media often emphasizes honor and skill, which can differ from the more straightforward criminal depictions common in Western cultures.
Frequently asked questions about 杀手
Generally, 杀手 (shā shǒu) has a negative connotation as it refers to someone who kills or murders. However, in sports, it can take on a more positive meaning, referring to a player who is exceptionally skilled or formidable.
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