Meanings of 煞
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About 煞
Podcast: 煞
Podcast: 煞
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AI Study Notes for 煞
杀 (shā, to kill) — use 煞 for a broader sense of harm or malevolence, while 杀 is specifically about the act of killing.
Imagine a fierce demon (煞) squeezing the life out of its victims, symbolizing its noxious nature. The character's left part resembles a fire (火), hinting at its baleful essence, while the right part suggests a cutting action, reinforcing the idea of termination.
Learners often confuse 煞 with 殺 (shā), which means 'to kill.' Be mindful of the context; 煞 is more about harm and malice rather than direct killing. It is informal and might not be suitable for formal writing.
Although not part of the HSK curriculum, understanding 煞 can enhance vocabulary related to negative emotions or harmful actions. Focus on its pronunciation and context to differentiate it from similar-sounding words.
In traditional Chinese culture, demons and malevolent spirits are significant in folklore, often representing fears and moral lessons. The use of 煞 reflects the cultural importance of understanding evil and its consequences.
Many learners mistakenly use 煞 interchangeably with 殺, thinking they mean the same thing. Remember, 煞 has a broader meaning related to harm and malice, while 殺 specifically means 'to kill.'
Pronunciation of 煞
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Etymology of 煞
Decomposition of 煞
Identify the Components
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Write 煞
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Practice writing 煞 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 煞
煞 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 9 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.
Complete the Sentence
他一看到夏普浸满鲜血的制服，脸色顿时变得____白。
His face blanched as he looked at Sharpe's blood-drenched uniform.
Example Sentences for 煞 (4)
Cultural Notes for 煞
In traditional Chinese culture, demons and malevolent spirits are significant in folklore, often representing fears and moral lessons. The use of 煞 reflects the cultural importance of understanding evil and its consequences.
Word Family of 煞
Compound Meaning
What does 煞 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 煞
It is pronounced as 'shā' with a high-level tone.