Meanings of 恐吓
By ear
Play it, then pick what 恐吓 means.
About 恐吓
Podcast: 恐吓
Podcast: 恐吓
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 恐吓
威胁 (wēixié) - use 恐吓 when referring to threats that involve intimidation, while 威胁 is broader and can include any form of threat without the same connotation of intimidation.
This term can carry a strong negative connotation, so it is best used in serious contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar words like 威胁 (wēixié), which means 'to threaten' but lacks the same intensity. Remember that 恐吓 is more formal and should not be used casually.
As an HSK 6 word, 恐吓 connects to themes of conflict and interpersonal relationships, which are common in advanced vocabulary. Students should focus on practicing the word in legal contexts or discussions about safety and security.
Learners often confuse 恐吓 with 威胁, thinking they are interchangeable; however, 恐吓 implies a more intense form of intimidation. For example, saying '他的威胁让我害怕' (His threat made me scared) would be incorrect if the context implies severe intimidation; use 恐吓 instead.
Pronunciation of 恐吓
Drill the tone of 恐吓 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 恐吓 to You
Let me explain 恐吓 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 恐吓 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 恐吓?
Learning Lab
Knowing 恐吓 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
Component Characters
How to say to threaten in Chinese
“to threaten” in Chinese is恐吓
The verb 恐吓 (kǒnghè) means 'to threaten' or 'to menace,' often used in contexts involving intimidation or coercion. It can refer to both verbal threats and implied dangers, commonly in legal or interpersonal situations.
When to use 恐吓
This term can carry a strong negative connotation, so it is best used in serious contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar words like 威胁 (wēixié), which means 'to threaten' but lacks the same intensity. Remember that 恐吓 is more formal and should not be used casually.
恐吓 or something close to it
威胁 (wēixié) - use 恐吓 when referring to threats that involve intimidation, while 威胁 is broader and can include any form of threat without the same connotation of intimidation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 恐吓 with 威胁, thinking they are interchangeable; however, 恐吓 implies a more intense form of intimidation. For example, saying '他的威胁让我害怕' (His threat made me scared) would be incorrect if the context implies severe intimidation; use 恐吓 instead.
Write 恐吓
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 恐吓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 恐吓
恐吓 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____或者干掉詹姆斯·辛克莱对谁会有好处？
Whom would it profit to terrify or to kill James Sinclair?
Example Sentences for 恐吓 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 恐吓?
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 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 恐吓
No, it's more common in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or when discussing serious interpersonal conflicts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 恐吓?
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.