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March 24, 2026
骇(駭)hài(hai4)
The character 骇 (hài) conveys the meaning of causing fear or shock, often used in contexts where something is startling or astonishing. It can also refer to the act of hacking in computing, reflecting modern technological influences in language. In both traditional and contemporary usage, it embodies strong emotional reactions, often linked to unexpected events.
Strokes9Radical马Frequency#13264DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of being '骇' is often depicted in Chinese horror films and literature, where the element of surprise and fear plays a significant role in storytelling. This reflects the cultural appreciation for suspense and the supernatural.
Memory Tip
Imagine encountering a large, terrifying beast (represented by the '骇' character), which has sharp claws and a fierce demeanor. The radical 骨 (bone) suggests something fierce or frightening, while the sound 'hài' can remind you of a startled gasp, 'hai!' as you react to its sudden appearance.
Meanings of 骇
hài(hai4)
1to terrify, to shock, to frighten
2to astonish
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 骇
骇Simplified
駭Traditional
9Strokes
马Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 骇
Podcast: 骇
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AI Study Notes for 骇
Quick Contrast
骇 (hài) vs 惊 (jīng) — use 骇 for stronger shock or fear, while 惊 is more about surprise.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine encountering a large, terrifying beast (represented by the '骇' character), which has sharp claws and a fierce demeanor. The radical 骨 (bone) suggests something fierce or frightening, while the sound 'hài' can remind you of a startled gasp, 'hai!' as you react to its sudden appearance.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 骇 with similar-sounding words, so it's important to practice its pronunciation and context. It is commonly used in both informal and formal settings, especially in media reports about shocking events. Be careful with the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 骇 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other words related to fear and shock, such as 惊 (jīng) meaning 'to startle'. Students should focus on understanding its usage in phrases and sentences to better grasp its emotional weight.
Cultural Note
The concept of being '骇' is often depicted in Chinese horror films and literature, where the element of surprise and fear plays a significant role in storytelling. This reflects the cultural appreciation for suspense and the supernatural.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 骇 with 驚 (jīng), which means to surprise without the element of fear. For example, saying '我被骇了' (Wǒ bèi hài le) can be mistakenly used instead of '我很惊讶' (Wǒ hěn jīngyà) when one is simply surprised.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 骇
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Grammar Patterns of 骇
骇 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 4 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
沉默背后的____人真相慢慢显露出来。
The chilling facts behind this veil of silence were slow to emerge.
The King had been putting about lurid rumours for months.
7
别给我讲那些骇人听闻的细节了。
bié gěi wǒ jiǎng nà xiē hài rén tīng wén de xì jié le。
Spare me the gory details.
8
旁观者惊动了, 因为他以一种骇人的突然猛抱住了她.
páng guān zhě jīng dòng le, , yīn wéi tā yǐ yī zhǒng hài rén de tū rán měng bào zhù le.
The spectators startled, as he turned upon her with a frightful suddenness.
9
“真是骇人听闻。”——“嗯，我同意。”
“ “ zhēn shì hài rén tīng。”——“ wén， 。”——“ ňg ，。”
"It's appalling." — "It is. I agree."
Cultural Notes for 骇
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of being '骇' is often depicted in Chinese horror films and literature, where the element of surprise and fear plays a significant role in storytelling. This reflects the cultural appreciation for suspense and the supernatural.
Word Family of 骇
Words Containing This Character8
骇hàito astonish駭
骇人听闻hàiréntīngwénshocking駭人聽聞
惊骇to be shocked驚駭
惊世骇俗universally shocking驚世駭俗
骇然dumbstruck駭然
惊涛骇浪perilous situation驚濤駭浪
震骇to astonish震駭
骇怕to be afraid駭怕
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 骇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 骇
Yes, 骇 can be used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing surprising or shocking news.
Common phrases include 骇人听闻 (hài rén tīng wén) meaning 'shocking to hear'.
Generally, 骇 carries a negative connotation, suggesting fear or shock rather than something positive.
