Meanings of 毀
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About 毀
Podcast: 毀
Podcast: 毀
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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.
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.
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
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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
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 毀
Simplified form of 毀. Depicts beating a child (兒) into the ground (土) with a weapon (殳).
- 1The giveawayA man using a tool 殳 to strike a clay 土 vessel 臼
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 毀? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 毀?
Decomposition of 毀
Identify the Components
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How to say to damage, to ruin; to defame, to slander in Chinese
“to damage, to ruin; to defame, to slander” in Chinese is毀
The character 毀 (huǐ) means to damage or ruin something, often referring to physical destruction or moral degradation. It can also imply defamation or slander, where someone's reputation is harmed through false statements. This word is commonly used in both legal and everyday contexts.
When to use 毀
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).
毀 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 毀
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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 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).
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