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污蔑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
污蔑wūmièto slanderHSK 7, vn, 20 strokes, rank #25731, Very Hard
污蔑wūmièto smearHSK 7, vn, 20 strokes, rank #25731, Very Hard
污蔑wūmièto tarnishHSK 7, vn, 20 strokes, rank #25731, Very Hard
wūmiè(wu1mie4)wu mie T1
  1. 1to slander
  2. 2to smear
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March 24, 2026

污蔑(污衊)wūmiè(wu1mie4)

污蔑 (wū miè) refers to the act of slandering or smearing someone's reputation through false or malicious statements. It is commonly used in contexts involving defamation or character assassination, highlighting the negative impact such actions have on individuals or groups.

Strokes20Frequency#25731DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, reputation is of utmost importance, and污蔑 can lead to serious consequences, both socially and legally. Slanderous remarks can significantly harm one's personal and professional relationships, reflecting the value placed on honor and integrity.

Memory tip

Imagine a muddy river (污) that spreads filth (蔑) over everything it touches, tarnishing the beauty of the landscape. This imagery helps you remember that the character represents the act of spreading dirtiness onto someone's reputation, just like mud on a clean surface.

Meanings of 污蔑

wūmiè(wu1mie4)
1to slander
2to smear
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About 污蔑

污蔑Simplified
污衊Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#25731Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 污蔑

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Podcast: 污蔑

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AI study notes for 污蔑

Quick Contrast

中伤 (zhōng shāng) - use 污蔑 when the focus is on false statements meant to harm reputation, while 中伤 emphasizes causing harm in a broader sense, which may not always involve falsehoods.

Usage Notes

When using 污蔑, be aware that it carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal discussions or serious accusations. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms; make sure to use it specifically for slanderous actions, not simple criticism.

HSK Study Tips

As a HSK Level 6 word, 污蔑 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to communication and ethics. Students should focus on understanding its implications in legal and interpersonal contexts, as well as related terms like 诽谤 (fěi bàng) for defamation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 污蔑 with 侮辱 (wǔ rǔ, to insult), thinking they mean the same. It’s important to note that污蔑 specifically addresses reputation damage through slander, while 侮辱 involves direct insults or disrespect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 污蔑

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Component characters

污wūfilthy, dirty; polluted, impure
HSK 36 strokes氵
View full entry
蔑mièto belittle
14 strokes艹
View full entry

How to say to slander in Chinese

“to slander” in Chinese is污蔑wūmiè

污蔑 (wū miè) refers to the act of slandering or smearing someone's reputation through false or malicious statements. It is commonly used in contexts involving defamation or character assassination, highlighting the negative impact such actions have on individuals or groups.

When to use 污蔑

When using 污蔑, be aware that it carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal discussions or serious accusations. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms; make sure to use it specifically for slanderous actions, not simple criticism.

污蔑 or something close to it

中伤 (zhōng shāng) - use 污蔑 when the focus is on false statements meant to harm reputation, while 中伤 emphasizes causing harm in a broader sense, which may not always involve falsehoods.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 污蔑 with 侮辱 (wǔ rǔ, to insult), thinking they mean the same. It’s important to note that污蔑 specifically addresses reputation damage through slander, while 侮辱 involves direct insults or disrespect.

Write 污蔑

污
蔑

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Frequently asked questions about 污蔑

污蔑 specifically refers to slandering or smearing someone's reputation, while 诽谤 generally refers to defamation, including both spoken and written false statements.

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