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无情 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
无情wúqíngpitilessHSK 7, unknown, 15 strokes, rank #5616, Very Hard
无情wúqíngruthlessHSK 7, unknown, 15 strokes, rank #5616, Very Hard
无情wúqíngmercilessHSK 7, unknown, 15 strokes, rank #5616, Very Hard
无情wúqíngheartlessHSK 7, unknown, 15 strokes, rank #5616, Very Hard
wúqíng(wu2qing2)wu qing T2
  1. 1pitiless
  2. 2ruthless
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March 24, 2026

无情(無情)wúqíng(wu2qing2)

无情 (wúqíng) describes a state of being devoid of feelings, emotions, or compassion. It is often used in contexts where someone acts without consideration for others' feelings, such as in harsh decisions or ruthless behavior. This term can convey a strong negative connotation, implying a lack of empathy or kindness.

Strokes15Frequency#5616DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The concept of being 无情 can resonate with traditional Chinese values that emphasize family loyalty and compassion. In literature and historical narratives, characters who are portrayed as 无情 often face consequences, highlighting the cultural importance of empathy.

Memory tip

Imagine a heart (情) that is completely empty (无). Picture someone who refuses to share their warmth or emotions, acting coldly in tough situations. The 'wu' sounds like 'woo', as if someone is trying to woo a heart but finds it completely unresponsive.

Meanings of 无情

wúqíng(wu2qing2)
1pitiless
2ruthless
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 无情

无情Simplified
無情Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 无情

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AI study notes for 无情

Quick Contrast

无情 (wúqíng) vs 冷酷 (lěngkù) — use 无情 when emphasizing the absence of emotional warmth, while 冷酷 focuses more on a cold, harsh demeanor.

Usage Notes

Learners should be cautious not to confuse 无情 with similar terms that imply indifference rather than cruelty. This word is generally used in more serious or literary contexts, so avoid using it in informal conversations. Common collocations include phrases like '无情的批评' (ruthless criticism) or '无情的战争' (merciless war).

HSK Study Tips

While 无情 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to higher-level vocabulary associated with emotions and moral judgment. Students should focus on understanding the nuances of emotional expression in Mandarin, as they may encounter this term in literature and discussions on ethics.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is to use 无情 to describe someone who is simply reserved or introverted; instead, it should refer to someone who is actively cruel. For example, saying '他很无情' to mean 'He is shy' is incorrect; a better phrase would be '他很内向'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 无情

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Component characters

无wú-less
HSK 44 strokes无
View full entry
情qíngfeeling
HSK 711 strokes忄
View full entry

How to say pitiless in Chinese

“pitiless” in Chinese is无情wúqíng

无情 (wúqíng) describes a state of being devoid of feelings, emotions, or compassion. It is often used in contexts where someone acts without consideration for others' feelings, such as in harsh decisions or ruthless behavior. This term can convey a strong negative connotation, implying a lack of empathy or kindness.

When to use 无情

Learners should be cautious not to confuse 无情 with similar terms that imply indifference rather than cruelty. This word is generally used in more serious or literary contexts, so avoid using it in informal conversations. Common collocations include phrases like '无情的批评' (ruthless criticism) or '无情的战争' (merciless war).

无情 or something close to it

无情 (wúqíng) vs 冷酷 (lěngkù) — use 无情 when emphasizing the absence of emotional warmth, while 冷酷 focuses more on a cold, harsh demeanor.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is to use 无情 to describe someone who is simply reserved or introverted; instead, it should refer to someone who is actively cruel. For example, saying '他很无情' to mean 'He is shy' is incorrect; a better phrase would be '他很内向'.

Write 无情

无
情

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Frequently asked questions about 无情

You can say, '他对她的无情让人心寒,' meaning 'His ruthlessness towards her is chilling.'

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