Meanings of 毀
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 毀
Podcast: 毀
Podcast: 毀
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 毀
毁 (huǐ) vs 破 (pò): use 毁 when referring specifically to damage or ruin that affects reputation or moral standing, whereas 破 focuses more on physical destruction or breaking something.
Imagine a beautiful statue being destroyed (毀) by a storm. The character's left side (毛) can remind you of the chaos of the storm, while the right side (口) resembles a mouth, symbolizing how words can damage reputations.
Be careful not to confuse 毀 with similar-sounding words like 会 (huì), which means 'can' or 'will.' This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in media or discussions about reputation. Collocations include 毀壞 (huǐhuài - to ruin) and 毀謗 (huǐbàng - to slander).
Although 毀 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is useful for advanced learners focusing on reading comprehension. Connecting this word to HSK Level 5 terms related to morality and reputation, such as 道德 (dàodé - morality), can enhance understanding.
In Chinese culture, the concept of reputation is highly valued, making the act of slandering (毀謗) particularly serious. Public figures often face severe backlash if they are accused of defamation.
Learners often confuse 毀 with the more benign term 會 (huì), leading to incorrect sentences like '我會他的名聲' (I can his reputation). The correct form should be '我毀了他的名聲' (I ruined his reputation).
Pronunciation of 毀
Drill the tone of 毀 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 毀
Simplified form of 毀. Depicts beating a child (兒) into the ground (土) with a weapon (殳).
A man using a tool 殳 to strike a clay 土 vessel 臼
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 毀?
Decomposition of 毀
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 毀?
Write 毀
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 毀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 毀
毀 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
一面破旗挂在 烧____ 的建筑物房顶上.
A tattered flag hung from the roof of the burnt - out building.
Example Sentences for 毀 (2)
Cultural Notes for 毀
In Chinese culture, the concept of reputation is highly valued, making the act of slandering (毀謗) particularly serious. Public figures often face severe backlash if they are accused of defamation.
In Western cultures, while defamation is also taken seriously, the legal systems around slander and libel may differ significantly in terms of burden of proof and consequences.
Word Family of 毀
Compound Meaning
What does 毁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 毀
You might say, '他的名聲被毀了' (His reputation was ruined).