Meanings of 罪魁祸首
By ear
Play it, then pick what 罪魁祸首 means.
About 罪魁祸首
Podcast: 罪魁祸首
Podcast: 罪魁祸首
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 罪魁祸首
罪犯 (zuìfàn) vs 罪魁祸首 (zuìkuíhuòshǒu): use 罪魁祸首 when emphasizing the mastermind behind a crime, while 罪犯 refers more generally to any criminal.
This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, especially in news reports or legal discussions. Learners often mistakenly use it in a neutral context; however, it always conveys a negative connotation. Be cautious with the tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar idioms.
While this idiom may not be explicitly listed in HSK levels, it can be associated with intermediate vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding idiomatic expressions, as they often appear in conversation and literature. Familiarity with other idioms will enhance comprehension.
Learners often confuse 罪魁祸首 with less severe terms. For instance, saying '他是个罪魁祸首' (tā shì gè zuì kuí huò shǒu) for minor mischief is incorrect; it should only be used for serious crimes or significant issues.
Pronunciation of 罪魁祸首
Drill the tone of 罪魁祸首 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 罪魁祸首 to you
Let me explain 罪魁祸首 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 罪魁祸首 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 罪魁祸首?
Learning Lab
Knowing 罪魁祸首 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Idiom spotlight: 罪魁祸首
Component characters
How to say criminal ringleader, main offender (idiom); main culprit in Chinese
“criminal ringleader, main offender (idiom); main culprit” in Chinese is罪魁祸首
罪魁祸首 (zui4 kui2 huo4 shou3) refers to the principal offender or mastermind behind a crime or disaster. It is often used to identify the main culprit in a negative context, such as a crime syndicate or a catastrophic event, emphasizing the individual’s significant role in causing trouble or wrongdoing.
When to use 罪魁祸首
This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, especially in news reports or legal discussions. Learners often mistakenly use it in a neutral context; however, it always conveys a negative connotation. Be cautious with the tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar idioms.
罪魁祸首 or something close to it
罪犯 (zuìfàn) vs 罪魁祸首 (zuìkuíhuòshǒu): use 罪魁祸首 when emphasizing the mastermind behind a crime, while 罪犯 refers more generally to any criminal.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 罪魁祸首 with less severe terms. For instance, saying '他是个罪魁祸首' (tā shì gè zuì kuí huò shǒu) for minor mischief is incorrect; it should only be used for serious crimes or significant issues.
Write 罪魁祸首
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 罪魁祸首 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 罪魁祸首?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 罪魁祸首
No, 罪魁祸首 implies a serious or significant crime; it should not be used for minor issues.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 罪魁祸首?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.