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March 24, 2026
歹徒dǎitú(dai3tu2)
The term '歹徒' refers to a person who engages in criminal or immoral activities, such as a gangster or evildoer. It is commonly used in contexts relating to crime, law enforcement, and discussions about societal safety. The word carries a negative connotation, emphasizing the malevolent nature of the individual.
Strokes14Frequency#9216DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about crime and morality are often influenced by historical events and social issues, such as the impact of organized crime in urban areas. The concept of '歹徒' reflects societal fears and the importance placed on community safety.
Memory Tip
Think of '歹' (dǎi) as a 'bad' or 'evil' person, and '徒' (tú) as a 'follower' or 'companion.' Together, you can visualize a 'bad companion' or 'evil follower'—a perfect image of a gangster. The pronunciation 'dai3 tu2' might remind you of a 'daring two' who take risks in their criminal endeavors.
Meanings of 歹徒
dǎitú(dai3tu2)
1evil-doer
2malefactor
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 歹徒
歹徒Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9216Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 歹徒
Podcast: 歹徒
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AI Study Notes for 歹徒
Quick Contrast
恶徒 (è tú) — use 歹徒 for a broader range of criminality, while 恶徒 emphasizes moral depravity.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing '歹徒'; the third tone on '歹' can sometimes be confused with the second tone. This term is generally used in more formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions, rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '歹徒行为' (criminal behavior) and '捉拿歹徒' (capture a malefactor).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '歹徒' connects with vocabulary related to crime and law, such as '犯罪' (crime) and '罪犯' (criminal). Students should focus on understanding its usage in various contexts, especially in written language, as it often appears in news articles and legal texts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '歹徒' with '坏人' (bad person), which is more general. For example, saying '他是个坏人' (He is a bad person) can be correct, but using '歹徒' would be more appropriate in specific criminal contexts. Additionally, omitting the correct tones can lead to misunderstandings.
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Pronunciation of 歹徒
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The term '歹徒' refers to a person who engages in criminal or immoral activities, such as a gangster or evildoer. It is commonly used in contexts relating to crime, law enforcement, and discussions about societal safety. The word carries a negative connotation, emphasizing the malevolent nature of the individual.
When to use 歹徒
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing '歹徒'; the third tone on '歹' can sometimes be confused with the second tone. This term is generally used in more formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions, rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '歹徒行为' (criminal behavior) and '捉拿歹徒' (capture a malefactor).
歹徒 or something close to it
恶徒 (è tú) — use 歹徒 for a broader range of criminality, while 恶徒 emphasizes moral depravity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '歹徒' with '坏人' (bad person), which is more general. For example, saying '他是个坏人' (He is a bad person) can be correct, but using '歹徒' would be more appropriate in specific criminal contexts. Additionally, omitting the correct tones can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 歹徒
歹
徒
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Grammar Patterns of 歹徒
歹徒 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这伙____如此胆大妄为、厚颜无耻，让我很是震惊。
I was shocked at the audacity and brazenness of the gangsters.
