Meanings of 冷酷
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Podcast: 冷酷
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AI Study Notes for 冷酷
冷淡 (lěngdàn) refers to a lack of warmth or enthusiasm, while 冷酷 (lěngkù) implies a harsher, more unfeeling demeanor.
When using 冷酷, be cautious of the tone, as it often carries a negative connotation. It's typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or serious discussions, rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include 冷酷的现实 (the cruel reality) and 冷酷的决定 (a callous decision).
As an HSK 6 word, 冷酷 connects with other advanced vocabulary describing emotions and personality traits. Students should focus on understanding its nuances and practicing its use in complex sentences to convey deeper meanings.
Learners often confuse 冷酷 with 冷淡 (lěngdàn), which means indifferent but is less severe. For instance, saying '她的态度很冷淡' (Her attitude is cold) instead of '她的态度很冷酷' (Her attitude is callous) can convey a different level of emotional distance.
Pronunciation of 冷酷
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Component Characters
How to say grim in Chinese
“grim” in Chinese is冷酷
冷酷 (lěngkù) refers to a demeanor that is cold and unfeeling, often used to describe individuals who lack empathy or compassion. This term can be applied in both personal and social contexts, often conveying a sense of harshness or indifference towards others' feelings or situations.
When to use 冷酷
When using 冷酷, be cautious of the tone, as it often carries a negative connotation. It's typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or serious discussions, rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include 冷酷的现实 (the cruel reality) and 冷酷的决定 (a callous decision).
冷酷 or something close to it
冷淡 (lěngdàn) refers to a lack of warmth or enthusiasm, while 冷酷 (lěngkù) implies a harsher, more unfeeling demeanor.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 冷酷 with 冷淡 (lěngdàn), which means indifferent but is less severe. For instance, saying '她的态度很冷淡' (Her attitude is cold) instead of '她的态度很冷酷' (Her attitude is callous) can convey a different level of emotional distance.
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Grammar Patterns of 冷酷
冷酷 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她看我的眼神____无比。
She gave me the stoniest look I ever got.
Example Sentences for 冷酷 (5)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 冷酷
Yes, it can also describe situations that are harsh or unforgiving, such as 冷酷的现实.
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