Meaning and Usage
The character 毒 (dú) primarily means "poison" or "toxic substance." It can refer to literal poisons, such as venom from animals or harmful chemicals, as well as metaphorical poison, like harmful words or attitudes.
Common Contexts
- Literal poison: snakes, chemicals, or substances that cause harm or death.
- Figurative poison: speech or behavior that is hurtful or malicious.
Collocations and Patterns
- 有毒 (yǒu dú): "toxic" or "poisonous," used to describe substances or sometimes figurative contexts.
- 毒蛇 (dú shé): "poisonous snake."
- 毒药 (dú yào): "poison" or "toxic medicine."
Usage Notes
When used figuratively, 毒 often conveys strong negativity, such as "poisonous words" or "toxic relationships." It is a formal or literary word and may sound strong or harsh in casual conversation. Avoid confusing 毒 with 毒品 (dúpǐn), which specifically means "drugs" or "narcotics."
Summary
Understanding 毒 helps learners describe both physical poisons and metaphorical toxicity in speech or behavior. It is a versatile word appearing in medical, environmental, and social contexts.