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March 24, 2026
邪恶(邪惡)xié’è(xie2e4)
The term 邪恶 (xie2 e4) refers to something that is morally wrong, wicked, or evil in nature. It can describe actions, behaviors, or characters that are malevolent or harmful. This word is often used in moral discussions, literature, and media to highlight bad intentions or outcomes.
Frequency#1586DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 邪恶 is often contrasted with notions of virtue and righteousness, which are significant in Confucian thought. Stories of good versus evil are prevalent in traditional folklore, emphasizing moral lessons.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wicked witch casting a spell (邪 - xie2) in a dark forest (恶 - e4) where nothing good can grow. The two components together remind you that this is a place of evil, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 邪恶
xié’è(xie2e4)
1sinister
2vicious
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About 邪恶
邪恶Simplified
邪惡Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 邪恶
Podcast: 邪恶
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AI Study Notes for 邪恶
Quick Contrast
恶劣 (èliè) - use 邪恶 for moral wickedness, while 恶劣 emphasizes harshness or severity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wicked witch casting a spell (邪 - xie2) in a dark forest (恶 - e4) where nothing good can grow. The two components together remind you that this is a place of evil, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when using 邪恶; it requires the second tone for 邪 and the fourth tone for 恶. It's generally used in more serious contexts, so avoid using it in light-hearted conversations. Common collocations include '邪恶的行为' (evil behavior) and '邪恶势力' (evil forces).
HSK Study Tips
Although 邪恶 is not a standard HSK vocabulary word, it comprises characters that are related to morality and ethics, which may appear in HSK readings. Focus on understanding its components, as they can help you grasp similar terms related to good and evil.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 邪恶 is often contrasted with notions of virtue and righteousness, which are significant in Confucian thought. Stories of good versus evil are prevalent in traditional folklore, emphasizing moral lessons.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 邪恶 with similar words like 恶意 (evil intent). For example, saying '他是一个恶意的人' (He is an evil intent person) is incorrect; instead, use '他是一个邪恶的人' (He is an evil person).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 邪恶
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Cultural Notes for 邪恶
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 邪恶 is often contrasted with notions of virtue and righteousness, which are significant in Confucian thought. Stories of good versus evil are prevalent in traditional folklore, emphasizing moral lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions about 邪恶
You can say '这个故事中的反派角色非常邪恶' (The villain in this story is very evil).
Yes, 邪恶 is commonly used in formal contexts, especially in literature, law, or moral discussions.
Absolutely, you can describe a person as 邪恶 if they exhibit wicked or malevolent behavior.
