Meanings of 敌人
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Podcast: 敌人
Podcast: 敌人
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AI study notes for 敌人
对手 (duìshǒu) - use 敌人 when emphasizing hostility or opposition, while 对手 is more neutral, often used in competitive contexts without implying enmity.
Be careful not to confuse 敌人 with 朋友 (péng yǒu), which means 'friend'. This term is generally used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to carry a heavier connotation in serious discussions. Common collocations include '打败敌人' (dǎ bài dí rén) meaning 'defeat the enemy'.
As an HSK Level 5 word, understanding 敌人 connects to broader themes of conflict and competition, which may also include words like 竞争 (jìng zhēng - competition) and 对手 (duì shǒu - opponent). Focus on using it in sentences that express opposition or rivalry.
Learners often mistakenly use 敌人 in contexts where a less confrontational term is more appropriate, such as calling a business rival 敌人 instead of 对手. Another common error is mispronouncing the tones, leading to misunderstandings.
Pronunciation of 敌人
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Component characters
How to say enemy in Chinese
“enemy” in Chinese is敌人
敌人 (dí rén) means 'enemy' and refers to a person or group that opposes or is hostile towards another. This term is commonly used in military, sports, and competitive contexts to denote adversaries. It can also be used metaphorically in personal relationships or business situations.
When to use 敌人
Be careful not to confuse 敌人 with 朋友 (péng yǒu), which means 'friend'. This term is generally used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to carry a heavier connotation in serious discussions. Common collocations include '打败敌人' (dǎ bài dí rén) meaning 'defeat the enemy'.
敌人 or something close to it
对手 (duìshǒu) - use 敌人 when emphasizing hostility or opposition, while 对手 is more neutral, often used in competitive contexts without implying enmity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 敌人 in contexts where a less confrontational term is more appropriate, such as calling a business rival 敌人 instead of 对手. Another common error is mispronouncing the tones, leading to misunderstandings.
Write 敌人
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Practice writing 敌人 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 敌人
敌人 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
总统谈及了____的奸诈用心。
The President spoke of the treacherous intentions of the enemy.
Example sentences for 敌人 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 敌人
Yes, but it's more common in specific contexts like sports, politics, or discussions about competition.
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