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有害 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
有害yǒuhàidestructiveHSK 5, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #9001, Hard
有害yǒuhàiharmfulHSK 5, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #9001, Hard
有害yǒuhàidamagingHSK 5, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #9001, Hard
yǒuhài(you3hai4)you hai T3
  1. 1destructive
  2. 2harmful
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March 24, 2026

有害yǒuhài(you3hai4)

The term '有害' (you3 hai4) means harmful or damaging. It is often used to describe substances, behaviors, or situations that can cause negative effects on health, safety, or the environment. Common contexts include discussions about pollution, toxic substances, or unhealthy habits.

Strokes16Frequency#9001DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

'有害' is commonly used in Chinese health campaigns and environmental discussions, reflecting the society's growing awareness of health and ecological issues. For example, public service announcements often highlight the dangers of smoking as '有害健康' (harmful to health).

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'harming' event where someone has 'you' in their name causing 'harm'. The character '有' suggests possession ('to have'), while '害' means harm. Picture a sign that reads 'No Harm Allowed' to remember that '有害' indicates something you should avoid.

Meanings of 有害

yǒuhài(you3hai4)
1destructive
2harmful
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About 有害

有害Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

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Podcast: 有害

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AI Study Notes for 有害

Quick Contrast

有害 (harmful) vs 危险 (dangerous) — use 有害 when referring specifically to harmful effects, while 危险 indicates a broader sense of risk or danger.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse '有害' with '无害' (wu2 hai4), which means harmless. The term is primarily used in formal or educational contexts, so be mindful of the audience when using it. Remember that '有害' is often paired with specific subjects, like '有害物质' (harmful substances).

HSK Study Tips

While '有害' is not a standard HSK vocabulary word, it connects to HSK level 3 and 4 vocabulary related to health and safety. Students should focus on its usage in context, especially in discussions about environmental issues or health risks.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes mistakenly use '有害' to describe non-harmful things, such as saying '这本书有害' (This book is harmful) when they mean it is simply boring. Be sure to reserve '有害' for contexts where something truly poses a risk or damage.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 有害

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Component Characters

有yǒuto have
HSK 16 strokes月
View full entry
害hàito do harm to
HSK 610 strokes宀
View full entry

How to say destructive in Chinese

“destructive” in Chinese is有害yǒuhài

The term '有害' (you3 hai4) means harmful or damaging. It is often used to describe substances, behaviors, or situations that can cause negative effects on health, safety, or the environment. Common contexts include discussions about pollution, toxic substances, or unhealthy habits.

When to use 有害

Learners often confuse '有害' with '无害' (wu2 hai4), which means harmless. The term is primarily used in formal or educational contexts, so be mindful of the audience when using it. Remember that '有害' is often paired with specific subjects, like '有害物质' (harmful substances).

有害 or something close to it

有害 (harmful) vs 危险 (dangerous) — use 有害 when referring specifically to harmful effects, while 危险 indicates a broader sense of risk or danger.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes mistakenly use '有害' to describe non-harmful things, such as saying '这本书有害' (This book is harmful) when they mean it is simply boring. Be sure to reserve '有害' for contexts where something truly poses a risk or damage.

Write 有害

有
害

Practice writing 有害 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 有害

'有害' is more often used in formal contexts, such as health discussions or educational materials, rather than casual conversation.

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