Meanings of 凶手
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Podcast: 凶手
Podcast: 凶手
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AI study notes for 凶手
杀手 (shāshǒu) refers more generally to a killer, while 凶手 (xiōngshǒu) specifically emphasizes the malicious intent behind the act.
Be cautious when using 凶手 in casual conversation, as it pertains to serious criminal acts and may not fit well in informal contexts. Common collocations include 凶手被抓 (the murderer was caught) and 凶手逃脱 (the murderer escaped). Remember to use the correct tones to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 凶手 builds on vocabulary related to crime and justice. Students should focus on context usage in media and literature, and relate it to other crime-related terms such as 案件 (case) and 罪犯 (criminal).
Learners often confuse 凶手 with 罪犯 (criminal), using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '他是一个凶手' (He is a criminal) is incorrect if referring to a non-lethal crime; it should be '他是一个罪犯'.
Pronunciation of 凶手
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Component characters
How to say murderer in Chinese
“murderer” in Chinese is凶手
The term 凶手 (xiong1 shou3) refers to a murderer or assassin, specifically someone who has committed a violent crime. It is often used in news reports or crime dramas to indicate a perpetrator who has caused death through malicious intent. The word carries a strong negative connotation, emphasizing the severity of the act.
When to use 凶手
Be cautious when using 凶手 in casual conversation, as it pertains to serious criminal acts and may not fit well in informal contexts. Common collocations include 凶手被抓 (the murderer was caught) and 凶手逃脱 (the murderer escaped). Remember to use the correct tones to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
凶手 or something close to it
杀手 (shāshǒu) refers more generally to a killer, while 凶手 (xiōngshǒu) specifically emphasizes the malicious intent behind the act.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 凶手 with 罪犯 (criminal), using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '他是一个凶手' (He is a criminal) is incorrect if referring to a non-lethal crime; it should be '他是一个罪犯'.
Write 凶手
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Grammar patterns of 凶手
凶手 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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警方认为她是被____活活用拳头打死的。
Police believe the killer punched her to death with his bare hands.
Example sentences for 凶手 (7)
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Frequently asked questions about 凶手
It is generally used in formal contexts, such as news reports or crime discussions, rather than everyday conversation.
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