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March 24, 2026
摧cuī(cui1)
The character 摧 (cuī) means to break, destroy, or devastate something. It is often used in contexts involving physical destruction, such as demolishing a building, or metaphorically, such as repressing emotions or ideas. The nuance conveys a sense of forceful or violent removal.
Strokes14Radical扌Frequency#21713DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of 摧 often appears in discussions of warfare and natural disasters, emphasizing the devastating effects these events have on society and culture. It reflects the historical significance of resilience in the face of destruction.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong wind (风) sweeping through a garden, causing flowers to break (摧) apart and fall. The '攴' (to strike) radical suggests action, while the '木' (wood) component represents the trees being devastated by this force. Think of 'cuī' sounding like 'sway,' as in swaying trees being blown away.
Meanings of 摧
cuī(cui1)
1to break
2to destroy
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 摧
摧Simplified
14Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#21713Frequency Rank
Podcast: 摧
Podcast: 摧
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AI Study Notes for 摧
Quick Contrast
毁 (huǐ) - use 摧 when emphasizing forceful destruction, while 毁 focuses more on causing damage or ruin.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong wind (风) sweeping through a garden, causing flowers to break (摧) apart and fall. The '攴' (to strike) radical suggests action, while the '木' (wood) component represents the trees being devastated by this force. Think of 'cuī' sounding like 'sway,' as in swaying trees being blown away.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 摧 with similar verbs like 破 (pò), which means 'to break' but lacks the nuance of destruction. This term is more formal and is often used in written contexts, such as literature or reports. Be mindful of the tone, as using 破 in place of 摧 can change the severity of what you are trying to express.
HSK Study Tips
While 摧 is not typically found in HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to other verbs of destruction like 破坏 (pòhuài) and 摧毁 (cuīhuǐ). Students at higher levels should focus on the context in which they use these verbs, especially in describing both physical and emotional damage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of 摧 often appears in discussions of warfare and natural disasters, emphasizing the devastating effects these events have on society and culture. It reflects the historical significance of resilience in the face of destruction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 摧 with 破坏 (pòhuài), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这房子被破坏了' instead of the more appropriate '这房子被摧毁了' when referring to complete destruction can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 摧
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Grammar Patterns of 摧
摧 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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
Complete the Sentence
即使是最有天赋的人也可能会被错误的导师____毁自信。
Even the most gifted can have confidence destroyed by the wrong instructor.
Example Sentences for 摧 (4)
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1
即使是最有天赋的人也可能会被错误的导师摧毁自信。
jí shǐ shì zuì yǒu tiān fù de rén yě kě néng huì bèi cuò wù de dǎo shī cuī huǐ zì xìn。
Even the most gifted can have confidence destroyed by the wrong instructor.
2
1346年的飓风引起海啸并摧毁了城镇。
1346 1346 nián de jù fēng yǐn qǐ hǎi xiào bìng cuī huǐ le chéng。
In 1346 a hurricane whipped up the sea to destroy the town.
3
数周的空中轰炸已经摧毁了许多工厂和公路。
shù zhōu de kōng zhōng hōng zhà yǐ jīng cuī huǐ le xǔ duō gōng chǎng hé gōng lù。
Weeks of aerial bombardment had destroyed factories and highways.
4
他转过目光, 恰巧对着那空无一人的被摧毁的鼠洞楼.
tā zhuǎn guò mù guāng, , qià qiǎo duì zháo nà kōng wú yī rén de bèi cuī huǐ de shǔ dòng.
His eye was turned, by chance, towards the empty broken Rat - hole.
Cultural Notes for 摧
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of 摧 often appears in discussions of warfare and natural disasters, emphasizing the devastating effects these events have on society and culture. It reflects the historical significance of resilience in the face of destruction.
Word Family of 摧
Words Containing This Character7
摧毁cuīhuǐto destroy摧毀
摧残cuīcánto ravage摧殘
摧cuīto break
坚不可摧invulnerable, indestructible, impregnable堅不可摧
无坚不摧nothing one can't do無堅不摧
崩摧to collapse
兰摧玉折premature death of a budding talent蘭摧玉折
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 摧毁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 摧
Phrases like 摧毁 (cuīhuǐ) which means 'to destroy' and 摧残 (cuīcán) which means 'to mutilate' are common.
Generally, 摧 has a negative connotation and is used to indicate destruction or damage, so it's rare to find it in a positive context.
Yes, 摧 conveys a more forceful and complete destruction, whereas 破坏 can imply damage that might be repairable.
