Meanings of 灾难
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Podcast: 灾难
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AI Study Notes for 灾难
灾害 (zāihài) refers to a broader category of harmful events, while 灾难 (zāinàn) emphasizes the severity and impact of such events.
Common mistakes include confusing 灾难 with other disaster-related terms like 事故 (accident) or 灾害 (disaster event). This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in news reports or discussions about climate-related issues.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 灾难 connects well with other vocabulary related to safety, emergency response, and environmental issues. Focus on using it in sentences that describe specific disasters or in discussions about preparedness.
Learners often mistakenly use 灾难 in contexts that require a less severe term, such as using it interchangeably with 事件 (event). For example, saying '这只是一个小灾难' (This is just a small disaster) can be misleading; instead, use '事件' for less serious occurrences.
Pronunciation of 灾难
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Component Characters
How to say disaster in Chinese
“disaster” in Chinese is灾难
灾难 (zāi nàn) refers to a significant and often sudden event that causes great damage, destruction, or suffering. It is commonly used in contexts related to natural disasters, accidents, or catastrophic events that impact communities or individuals.
When to use 灾难
Common mistakes include confusing 灾难 with other disaster-related terms like 事故 (accident) or 灾害 (disaster event). This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in news reports or discussions about climate-related issues.
灾难 or something close to it
灾害 (zāihài) refers to a broader category of harmful events, while 灾难 (zāinàn) emphasizes the severity and impact of such events.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 灾难 in contexts that require a less severe term, such as using it interchangeably with 事件 (event). For example, saying '这只是一个小灾难' (This is just a small disaster) can be misleading; instead, use '事件' for less serious occurrences.
Write 灾难
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Practice writing 灾难 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 灾难
灾难 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 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.
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调查已经展开，以查明____是如何发生的。
An investigation is underway to find out how the disaster happened.
Example Sentences for 灾难 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 灾难
You can say '这场地震是一个巨大的灾难' (This earthquake is a huge disaster).
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