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黑客 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
黑客hēikèhacker (computing) (loanword)HSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #8242, Very Hard
hēikè(hei1ke4)hei ke T1
  1. 1hacker (computing) (loanword)
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March 24, 2026

黑客hēikè(hei1ke4)

黑客 (hēikè) refers to a hacker in the context of computing, particularly someone who uses their technical skills to gain unauthorized access to systems. It can have both positive connotations, such as ethical hackers who improve security, and negative ones, referring to malicious intruders. This term is often used in discussions about cybersecurity.

Strokes21Frequency#8242DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, the concept of 黑客 gained prominence with the rise of technology firms and internet culture, often associated with both innovation and the need for cybersecurity awareness. The term reflects the dual nature of technology as both a tool for advancement and a potential source of risk.

Memory Tip

Think of 黑 (hēi) as 'black,' and 客 (kè) as 'guest.' Imagine a 'black guest' sneaking into a party without an invitation, representing a hacker breaking into a computer system. The character's dark imagery connects to the often secretive or illicit nature of hacking.

Meanings of 黑客

hēikè(hei1ke4)
1hacker (computing) (loanword)
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About 黑客

黑客Simplified
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

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Podcast: 黑客

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AI Study Notes for 黑客

Quick Contrast

黑客 (hēikè) vs 侵入者 (qīnrùzhě): 选择黑客时,强调技术技能和计算机背景,而侵入者则更侧重于非法入侵的行为与身份。

Usage Notes

When using 黑客, be mindful of context; it is predominantly used in discussions about technology and cybersecurity. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like '程序员' (chéngxùyuán), which means programmer. Remember that the tone is crucial: 黑 (hēi) is the first tone and 客 (kè) is the fourth tone.

HSK Study Tips

While 黑客 is not an official HSK word, it connects to topics relevant to HSK Level 3 and above, particularly in technology discussions. Students should focus on vocabulary related to computing and internet security as they progress.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 黑客 by applying it too generally, such as using it for all programmers, which is incorrect. Instead, remember that 黑客 specifically refers to those who hack into systems, while 程序员 (programmer) is the correct term for software developers.

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Pronunciation of 黑客

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Component Characters

黑hēiblack
HSK 512 strokes黑
View full entry
客kècustomer
HSK 19 strokes宀
View full entry

How to say hacker (computing) (loanword) in Chinese

“hacker (computing) (loanword)” in Chinese is黑客hēikè

黑客 (hēikè) refers to a hacker in the context of computing, particularly someone who uses their technical skills to gain unauthorized access to systems. It can have both positive connotations, such as ethical hackers who improve security, and negative ones, referring to malicious intruders. This term is often used in discussions about cybersecurity.

When to use 黑客

When using 黑客, be mindful of context; it is predominantly used in discussions about technology and cybersecurity. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like '程序员' (chéngxùyuán), which means programmer. Remember that the tone is crucial: 黑 (hēi) is the first tone and 客 (kè) is the fourth tone.

黑客 or something close to it

黑客 (hēikè) vs 侵入者 (qīnrùzhě): 选择黑客时,强调技术技能和计算机背景,而侵入者则更侧重于非法入侵的行为与身份。

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 黑客 by applying it too generally, such as using it for all programmers, which is incorrect. Instead, remember that 黑客 specifically refers to those who hack into systems, while 程序员 (programmer) is the correct term for software developers.

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黑
客

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Cultural Notes for 黑客

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The perception of hackers in Western cultures often focuses on their role in cybersecurity and ethical hacking, while in China, there is a stronger emphasis on state security and the consequences of hacking activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about 黑客

It can be both; it depends on the context. Ethical hackers are viewed positively, while malicious hackers are seen negatively.

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