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悔恨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
悔恨huǐhènremorseHSK 7, v, 19 strokes, rank #13176, Very Hard
悔恨huǐhènrepentanceHSK 7, v, 19 strokes, rank #13176, Very Hard
huǐhèn(hui3hen4)hui hen T3
  1. 1remorse
  2. 2repentance
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March 24, 2026

悔恨huǐhèn(hui3hen4)

悔恨 (huǐhèn) refers to a deep sense of remorse or regret for one's past actions or decisions. It is often associated with feelings of guilt and sorrow, particularly when one realizes the consequences of their choices. This term is commonly used in contexts involving personal reflection or moral considerations.

Strokes19Frequency#13176DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, expressing 悔恨 can be linked to the Confucian value of self-reflection and moral accountability, particularly when one has harmed others or made poor choices. This term can often be found in literature that explores themes of redemption.

Memory tip

Imagine a person who regrets their decision to eat one too many spicy peppers, feeling a burning sensation in their stomach, which symbolizes their 悔恨 (huǐhèn). The character 悔 (huǐ) includes the radical for 'heart' (心), emphasizing the emotional weight of remorse, while 恨 (hèn) means 'hate', depicting the inner turmoil of regretting a choice.

Meanings of 悔恨

huǐhèn(hui3hen4)
1remorse
2repentance
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 悔恨

悔恨Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13176Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 悔恨

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AI study notes for 悔恨

Quick Contrast

悔恨 (huǐhèn) vs 懊悔 (àohuǐ) — use 悔恨 when emphasizing deep remorse, while 懊悔 conveys a sense of frustration or annoyance over a mistake.

Usage Notes

悔恨 is typically used in a serious or formal context, often reflecting on significant life choices. Common collocations include 悔恨不已 (huǐhèn bù yǐ), meaning 'to feel endless remorse'. Be careful with the tones; mixing them up can lead to confusion with unrelated terms.

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 6, students should focus on the emotional depth conveyed by this term, as well as its usage in literature and speeches. It connects well with other words expressing emotions and moral concepts, like 反思 (fǎnsī, to reflect) and 道歉 (dàoqiàn, to apologize).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 悔恨 (huǐhèn) with 后悔 (hòuhuǐ), using them interchangeably when they intend to express deep emotional regret. For example, saying '我对我的错误感到后悔' (wǒ duì wǒ de cuòwù gǎndào hòuhuǐ) is incorrect if the intention is to express profound remorse; it should be '我对我的错误感到悔恨'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 悔恨

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Component characters

悔huǐto regret
10 strokes忄
View full entry
恨hènto hate
HSK 69 strokes忄
View full entry

How to say remorse in Chinese

“remorse” in Chinese is悔恨huǐhèn

悔恨 (huǐhèn) refers to a deep sense of remorse or regret for one's past actions or decisions. It is often associated with feelings of guilt and sorrow, particularly when one realizes the consequences of their choices. This term is commonly used in contexts involving personal reflection or moral considerations.

When to use 悔恨

悔恨 is typically used in a serious or formal context, often reflecting on significant life choices. Common collocations include 悔恨不已 (huǐhèn bù yǐ), meaning 'to feel endless remorse'. Be careful with the tones; mixing them up can lead to confusion with unrelated terms.

悔恨 or something close to it

悔恨 (huǐhèn) vs 懊悔 (àohuǐ) — use 悔恨 when emphasizing deep remorse, while 懊悔 conveys a sense of frustration or annoyance over a mistake.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 悔恨 (huǐhèn) with 后悔 (hòuhuǐ), using them interchangeably when they intend to express deep emotional regret. For example, saying '我对我的错误感到后悔' (wǒ duì wǒ de cuòwù gǎndào hòuhuǐ) is incorrect if the intention is to express profound remorse; it should be '我对我的错误感到悔恨'.

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悔
恨

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Frequently asked questions about 悔恨

While both terms indicate regret, 悔恨 (huǐhèn) carries a heavier emotional weight, often implying guilt and deep sorrow, whereas 后悔 (hòuhuǐ) is more general and can refer to any kind of regret.

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