Meanings of 冒犯
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 冒犯
Podcast: 冒犯
Podcast: 冒犯
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 冒犯
冒犯 (màofàn) vs 侮辱 (wǔrǔ) — use 冒犯 for less severe offenses that may not be intentional, while 侮辱 implies a more direct and intentional insult.
Be cautious with the tone of the phrase, as using 冒犯 can imply serious disrespect. It is often used in formal contexts, especially in apologies or when discussing social etiquette. Common collocations include 冒犯别人 (offend others) or 冒犯了 (have offended).
As an HSK 6 word, 冒犯 connects to themes of social interaction and conflict resolution. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced feelings, and practice distinguishing it from similar words like 侮辱 (wǔ rǔ), which specifically means 'to insult.'
Learners often confuse 冒犯 with 侮辱 (wǔ rǔ), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, 冒犯 is more about causing offense while 侮辱 is about outright insult; for example, saying '我没冒犯你' (I didn't offend you) is correct, but saying '我没侮辱你' (I didn't insult you) could imply a different meaning.
Pronunciation of 冒犯
Drill the tone of 冒犯 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say to offend in Chinese
“to offend” in Chinese is冒犯
冒犯 (mào fàn) means 'to offend' or 'to insult,' often used in contexts where someone's words or actions cause hurt or disrespect to another person. It can refer to both intentional and unintentional actions that violate social norms or personal boundaries.
When to use 冒犯
Be cautious with the tone of the phrase, as using 冒犯 can imply serious disrespect. It is often used in formal contexts, especially in apologies or when discussing social etiquette. Common collocations include 冒犯别人 (offend others) or 冒犯了 (have offended).
冒犯 or something close to it
冒犯 (màofàn) vs 侮辱 (wǔrǔ) — use 冒犯 for less severe offenses that may not be intentional, while 侮辱 implies a more direct and intentional insult.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 冒犯 with 侮辱 (wǔ rǔ), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, 冒犯 is more about causing offense while 侮辱 is about outright insult; for example, saying '我没冒犯你' (I didn't offend you) is correct, but saying '我没侮辱你' (I didn't insult you) could imply a different meaning.
Write 冒犯
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 冒犯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 冒犯
冒犯 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
这番____性的话实际上是一名观众的诘难。
The offending comment was in fact a heckle from an audience member.
Example Sentences for 冒犯 (5)
Frequently Asked Questions about 冒犯
Yes, 冒犯 carries a negative connotation and is used to describe actions or words that cause offense.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 冒犯?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.