Meanings of 狞
By ear
Play it, then pick what 狞 means.
About 狞
Podcast: 狞
Podcast: 狞
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 狞
凶 (xiōng) vs 狞 (níng): Use 凶 for a more general sense of ferocity or danger, while 狞 specifically emphasizes hideousness or fierceness in appearance.
While 狞 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it's primarily descriptive and often used in literary or dramatic settings. Learners should be cautious about its tone; using it to describe people can be offensive if not contextualized appropriately. Common collocations include 狞笑 (níng xiào), meaning 'to grin fiercely'.
Although 狞 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other descriptive adjectives at higher levels, such as 凶 (xiōng, fierce) or 恶 (è, evil). Students should focus on understanding the emotional weight behind such descriptors to use them accurately.
Learners might confuse 狞 with similar-sounding words like 宁 (níng, peace). For example, saying '这个人看起来宁' (This person looks peaceful) instead of using 狞 can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure the context fits the meaning of fierceness.
Pronunciation of 狞
Drill the tone of 狞 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 狞 to you
Let me explain 狞 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 狞 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 狞?
Learning Lab
Knowing 狞 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 狞
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 宁 represents the sound. Simplified form of 獰.
dog
Origin
狞 = 犭 + 宁. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 狞
Parts
Which of these is part of 狞?
How to say fierce; hideous in Chinese
“fierce; hideous” in Chinese is狞
The character 狞 (níng) is used to describe something that is fierce or hideous, often referring to an animal's appearance or demeanor. It conveys a sense of intimidation or ferocity, typically in contexts where danger or aggression is implied.
When to use 狞
While 狞 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it's primarily descriptive and often used in literary or dramatic settings. Learners should be cautious about its tone; using it to describe people can be offensive if not contextualized appropriately. Common collocations include 狞笑 (níng xiào), meaning 'to grin fiercely'.
狞 or something close to it
凶 (xiōng) vs 狞 (níng): Use 凶 for a more general sense of ferocity or danger, while 狞 specifically emphasizes hideousness or fierceness in appearance.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 狞 with similar-sounding words like 宁 (níng, peace). For example, saying '这个人看起来宁' (This person looks peaceful) instead of using 狞 can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure the context fits the meaning of fierceness.
Write 狞
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 狞 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 狞?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 狞
Words with 狞
What does 狰狞 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 狞
You can say '这只狼看起来很狞' (This wolf looks very fierce).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 狞?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.