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罪犯 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
罪犯zuìfàncriminalHSK 7, n, 18 strokes, rank #1800, Very Hard
zuìfàn(zui4fan4)zui fan T4
  1. 1criminal
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March 24, 2026

罪犯zuìfàn(zui4fan4)

The term 罪犯 (zuìfàn) refers to a person who commits a crime or offense. It is commonly used in legal contexts, discussions about justice, and news reports. The nuance often implies a serious wrongdoing, distinguishing it from less severe infractions.

Strokes18Frequency#1800DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 罪犯 is often tied to community values and social harmony. Discussions around crime can reflect societal expectations and the importance of maintaining order.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'zuì' (罪) that sounds like 'sue,' where a person gets sued for doing something wrong, hence becoming a 'fàn' (犯), or a criminal. Visualize a courtroom scene where the 'criminal' is being judged for their actions, linking the character to both crime and consequence.

Meanings of 罪犯

zuìfàn(zui4fan4)
1criminal
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 罪犯

罪犯Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1800Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 罪犯

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Podcast: 罪犯

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AI study notes for 罪犯

Quick Contrast

罪犯 (zuìfàn) vs 违法者 (wéifǎo zhě) — use 罪犯 for serious crimes, while 违法者 refers to someone who violates laws without the implication of severity.

Usage Notes

Avoid using 罪犯 (zuìfàn) in casual conversations as it has a formal connotation. Common phrases include '罪犯被捕' (the criminal was arrested). Pay attention to the tones when pronouncing; mispronouncing either can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 罪犯 connects to other legal and societal terms like 违法 (wéifǎ, to violate the law) and 犯罪 (fànzuì, to commit a crime). Focus on understanding its use in complex sentences and legal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 罪犯 with 小偷 (xiǎotōu), which means 'thief.' While a thief is a type of criminal, 罪犯 is broader and includes more serious offenses. Remember to use 罪犯 for severe crimes.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 罪犯

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Component characters

罪zuìguilt
HSK 613 strokes罒
View full entry
犯fànto violate
HSK 65 strokes犭
View full entry

How to say criminal in Chinese

“criminal” in Chinese is罪犯zuìfàn

The term 罪犯 (zuìfàn) refers to a person who commits a crime or offense. It is commonly used in legal contexts, discussions about justice, and news reports. The nuance often implies a serious wrongdoing, distinguishing it from less severe infractions.

When to use 罪犯

Avoid using 罪犯 (zuìfàn) in casual conversations as it has a formal connotation. Common phrases include '罪犯被捕' (the criminal was arrested). Pay attention to the tones when pronouncing; mispronouncing either can change the meaning.

罪犯 or something close to it

罪犯 (zuìfàn) vs 违法者 (wéifǎo zhě) — use 罪犯 for serious crimes, while 违法者 refers to someone who violates laws without the implication of severity.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 罪犯 with 小偷 (xiǎotōu), which means 'thief.' While a thief is a type of criminal, 罪犯 is broader and includes more serious offenses. Remember to use 罪犯 for severe crimes.

Write 罪犯

罪
犯

Practice writing 罪犯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 罪犯

罪犯 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

你认为当前对____的判决足够严厉吗?

Do you believe that sentences for criminals are tough enough at present?

Example sentences for 罪犯 (10)

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1
你认为当前对罪犯的判决足够严厉吗?

nǐ rènwéi dāngqián duì zuìfàn de pànjué zúgòu yánlì ma?

Do you believe that sentences for criminals are tough enough at present?
2
看到有些罪犯还有良知让人感到欣慰。

kàndào yǒuxiē zuìfàn háiyǒu liángzhī ràng rén gǎndào xīnwèi。

It's pleasing to see some criminals have a conscience.
3
诺思布里奇是个头脑冷静、诡计多端、阴险狡诈的罪犯,他可能还会犯案。

nuò sī bù lǐ jī shì gè tóunǎo lěngjìng、 guǐjì duō duān、 yīn xiǎn jiǎo zhà de zuìfàn, tā kěnéng hái huì fàn àn。

Northbridge is a cool, calculating and clever criminal who could strike again.
4
人们几乎都不把犯罪和罪犯视为一种耻辱。

rénmen jīhū dōu bù bǎ fànzuì hé zuìfàn shìwéi yī zhǒng chǐrǔ。

There is very little stigma attached to crime and criminals.
5
怎样才能激励这些罪犯洗心革面呢?

zěnyàng cáinéng jīlì zhèxiē zuìfàn xǐ xīn gé miàn ne?

What can be done to encourage convicted offenders to change their ways?
6
他知道罪犯是谁,但却闭口不说。

tā zhīdào zuìfàn shì shéi, dàn què bì kǒu bù shuō。

He knows the culprit but is not letting on.
7
罪犯们徒劳地躲闪着探照灯光。

zuìfàn men túláo dì duǒ shǎn zhe tàn zhào dēngguāng。

The criminals vainly sought concealment from the searchlight.
8
警察根据线索追根到底,终于抓住了这个罪犯.

jǐngchá gēnjù xiànsuǒ duī gēn dàodǐ, zhōngyú zhuāzhù le zhège zuìfàn.

The police followed home the clue and finally caught the culprit.
9
那个外号叫福尔摩斯的侦探令罪犯闻之丧胆.

nàge wàihào jiào fú ěr mó Sī de zhēntàn lìng zuìfàn wén zhī sāng dǎn.

The detective, nicknamed Holmes , is a terror to criminals.
10
罪犯已押交监狱.

zuìfàn yǐ yā jiāo jiānyù.

The criminal was committed to jail.

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Frequently asked questions about 罪犯

Primarily, 罪犯 refers to serious offenders, particularly those involved in significant crimes, rather than petty criminals.

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