Meaning and Usage
"流氓" refers to a rogue, hoodlum, or gangster—someone who behaves in a socially unacceptable or criminal way. It often implies a person who causes trouble or engages in unlawful activities.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used to describe individuals involved in petty crime, street violence, or disruptive behavior. It can also be used more broadly to criticize unruly or immoral conduct.
Collocations and Patterns
- 流氓行为 (liúmáng xíngwéi): rogue behavior, misconduct
- 流氓分子 (liúmáng fènzǐ): rogue elements, troublemakers
- 流氓罪 (liúmáng zuì): crime related to hooliganism
Register and Tone
"流氓" carries a negative and somewhat harsh tone. It is informal and often used in spoken language or media reports. Avoid using it in formal or polite contexts.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse "流氓" with "恶棍" (è gùn), which also means villain but is more literary. "流氓" emphasizes disorderly or criminal street behavior, while "恶棍" can refer to any villainous person.