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摧残 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
摧残cuīcánto ravageHSK 7, v, 23 strokes, rank #15292, Very Hard
摧残cuīcánto ruinHSK 7, v, 23 strokes, rank #15292, Very Hard
cuīcán(cui1can2)cui can T1
  1. 1to ravage
  2. 2to ruin
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March 24, 2026

摧残(摧殘)cuīcán(cui1can2)

摧残 (cui1 can2) refers to the act of severely damaging or ruining something, often in a violent or destructive manner. It can be used in both physical contexts, like destroying property, and metaphorical ones, such as ruining someone's spirit or hopes.

Strokes23Frequency#15292DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese literature and history, the concept of 摧残 is often associated with the devastation caused by war, reflecting the profound impact of conflict on both nature and human lives.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant 'cui' (squeeze) that crushes a delicate plant, leaving it 'can' (crippled). Visualizing this destruction helps you remember that 摧残 means to ravage or ruin.

Meanings of 摧残

cuīcán(cui1can2)
1to ravage
2to ruin
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About 摧残

摧残Simplified
摧殘Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#15292Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 摧残

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Podcast: 摧残

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AI Study Notes for 摧残

Quick Contrast

摧毁 (cuīhuǐ) refers specifically to the act of destroying something completely, while 摧残 (cuīcán) implies a sense of severe damage or ruin, often with an emphasis on the violent or brutal manner of the act.

Usage Notes

This verb is often used in serious contexts, such as discussing war or natural disasters. Avoid using it lightly or in informal situations, as it conveys a strong sense of destruction. Be cautious of the tones, as a mispronunciation can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 摧残 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to destruction or suffering. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced ideas about damage and loss.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 摧残 with simpler words for damage, like 破坏 (po4 huai4), which means to damage but lacks the intensity. For example, saying '我摧残了这本书' (I ravaged this book) might be overly dramatic; instead, consider '我破坏了这本书' (I damaged this book).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 摧残

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Component Characters

摧cuīto break
14 strokes扌
View full entry
残cánto destroy
HSK 79 strokes歹
View full entry

How to say to ravage in Chinese

“to ravage” in Chinese is摧残cuīcán

摧残 (cui1 can2) refers to the act of severely damaging or ruining something, often in a violent or destructive manner. It can be used in both physical contexts, like destroying property, and metaphorical ones, such as ruining someone's spirit or hopes.

When to use 摧残

This verb is often used in serious contexts, such as discussing war or natural disasters. Avoid using it lightly or in informal situations, as it conveys a strong sense of destruction. Be cautious of the tones, as a mispronunciation can change the meaning.

摧残 or something close to it

摧毁 (cuīhuǐ) refers specifically to the act of destroying something completely, while 摧残 (cuīcán) implies a sense of severe damage or ruin, often with an emphasis on the violent or brutal manner of the act.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 摧残 with simpler words for damage, like 破坏 (po4 huai4), which means to damage but lacks the intensity. For example, saying '我摧残了这本书' (I ravaged this book) might be overly dramatic; instead, consider '我破坏了这本书' (I damaged this book).

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摧
残

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Cultural Notes for 摧残

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The idea of ravaging something holds similar weight in Western cultures, where destruction is often linked to emotional and physical trauma, but the connotations may vary based on context.

Frequently Asked Questions about 摧残

Yes, 摧残 can describe emotional or psychological destruction, such as ruining someone's confidence.

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