Meanings of 残忍
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Podcast: 残忍
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AI Study Notes for 残忍
残酷 (cruel) vs 残忍 (cruel, heartless) — use 残酷 when emphasizing the harshness of actions, while 残忍 focuses more on the lack of empathy.
Be careful not to confuse 残忍 with similar words like 残酷 (can2 ku4), which also means cruel but has a slightly different nuance. This term is more formal and should be used in serious contexts, such as literature or discussions about ethics. Avoid using it in light-hearted conversations.
As an HSK 6 word, 残忍 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to ethics and moral discussions. Focus on the emotional weight of this term, as it often appears in literature and media, highlighting extreme behaviors. Understanding its connotation can enhance comprehension of complex texts.
Learners often confuse 残忍 with 仁慈 (ren2 ci2), which means benevolent or kind. For example, saying '他很残忍和仁慈' (He is cruel and kind) is contradictory. Instead, use it in contexts that highlight its cruel nature, like '他的行为非常残忍' (His actions are extremely cruel).
Pronunciation of 残忍
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Component Characters
How to say cruel in Chinese
“cruel” in Chinese is残忍
The word 残忍 (can2 ren3) refers to a quality of being cruel, mean, or merciless. It often describes actions or behaviors that lack compassion or empathy, typically in contexts involving violence or harshness. Commonly used to depict individuals or situations that are heartless, it conveys a strong negative connotation.
When to use 残忍
Be careful not to confuse 残忍 with similar words like 残酷 (can2 ku4), which also means cruel but has a slightly different nuance. This term is more formal and should be used in serious contexts, such as literature or discussions about ethics. Avoid using it in light-hearted conversations.
残忍 or something close to it
残酷 (cruel) vs 残忍 (cruel, heartless) — use 残酷 when emphasizing the harshness of actions, while 残忍 focuses more on the lack of empathy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 残忍 with 仁慈 (ren2 ci2), which means benevolent or kind. For example, saying '他很残忍和仁慈' (He is cruel and kind) is contradictory. Instead, use it in contexts that highlight its cruel nature, like '他的行为非常残忍' (His actions are extremely cruel).
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Grammar Patterns of 残忍
残忍 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 4 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.
战争颠倒是非：杀戮与____成了美德。
War turns morality inside out: killing and cruelty are virtues.
Example Sentences for 残忍 (6)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 残忍
Yes, it can describe animals that display cruel behavior, but it is more often used for human actions.
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