Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
陷害 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
陷害xiànhàito entrapHSK 7, v, 20 strokes, rank #3472, Very Hard
陷害xiànhàito set upHSK 7, v, 20 strokes, rank #3472, Very Hard
陷害xiànhàito frame (up)HSK 7, v, 20 strokes, rank #3472, Very Hard
陷害xiànhàito make false charges againstHSK 7, v, 20 strokes, rank #3472, Very Hard
xiànhài(xian4hai4)xian hai T4
  1. 1to entrap
  2. 2to set up
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

陷害xiànhài(xian4hai4)

陷害 (xiàn hài) means to entrap or frame someone, usually by deceitful means. This term is often used in legal or social contexts where one person is wrongfully accused or set up for a crime they did not commit. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying malicious intent.

Strokes20Frequency#3472DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of being wrongfully accused or framed has historical significance, often reflected in literature and drama, where characters face betrayal and injustice. This relates to the importance of reputation and social harmony in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a trap (陷) set in a dark cave (害) where an unsuspecting traveler is caught. The 'xian' in '陷' sounds like 'sneaky,' reminding you of the deceit involved in framing someone. Picture the traveler being framed by shadows of deceitful figures, illustrating the essence of being entrapped.

Meanings of 陷害

xiànhài(xian4hai4)
1to entrap
2to set up
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 陷害 means.

About 陷害

陷害Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3472Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 陷害

JasonAmy

Podcast: 陷害

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 陷害

Quick Contrast

陷害 (xiànhài) vs 诬陷 (wūxiàn): use 陷害 when emphasizing the act of entrapping or framing, while 诬陷 focuses more on the act of falsely accusing someone.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when using 陷害, as it can imply serious accusations. It is often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions, and less commonly in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '陷害他人' (to frame others) and '被陷害' (to be framed).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 陷害 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to law and ethics. Focus on its use in compound phrases and legal terminology to enhance understanding and usage in formal discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 陷害 with other similar words like 误解 (misunderstanding) or 诬陷 (to falsely accuse). For example, saying '我被误解了' (I was framed) incorrectly uses a term that lacks the malicious intent inherent in 陷害. Instead, use '我被陷害了' for clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 陷害

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 陷害 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 陷害 to You

Let me explain 陷害 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 陷害 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 陷害?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 陷害 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

陷xiànpitfall
HSK 710 strokes阝
View full entry
害hàito do harm to
HSK 610 strokes宀
View full entry

How to say to entrap in Chinese

“to entrap” in Chinese is陷害xiànhài

陷害 (xiàn hài) means to entrap or frame someone, usually by deceitful means. This term is often used in legal or social contexts where one person is wrongfully accused or set up for a crime they did not commit. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying malicious intent.

When to use 陷害

Be cautious with the tone when using 陷害, as it can imply serious accusations. It is often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions, and less commonly in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '陷害他人' (to frame others) and '被陷害' (to be framed).

陷害 or something close to it

陷害 (xiànhài) vs 诬陷 (wūxiàn): use 陷害 when emphasizing the act of entrapping or framing, while 诬陷 focuses more on the act of falsely accusing someone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 陷害 with other similar words like 误解 (misunderstanding) or 诬陷 (to falsely accuse). For example, saying '我被误解了' (I was framed) incorrectly uses a term that lacks the malicious intent inherent in 陷害. Instead, use '我被陷害了' for clarity.

Write 陷害

陷
害

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 陷害

陷害 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. It carries 4 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

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

4人全都声称警察捏造证据____他们。

All four claim that officers fabricated evidence against them.

Example Sentences for 陷害 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
4人全都声称警察捏造证据陷害他们。

4 4 rén quán dū shēng chēng jǐng chá niē zào zhèng jù xiàn hài tā。

All four claim that officers fabricated evidence against them.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 陷害?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 陷害

陷害 specifically refers to maliciously framing someone, while 误解 refers to simply misunderstanding someone else's intentions without malicious intent.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 陷害?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab