Meaning and Usage
The character 凶 (xiōng) primarily means 'fierce,' 'dangerous,' or 'ominous.' It can describe a person’s appearance or behavior as fierce or intimidating, or refer to something unlucky or threatening. It also functions as a noun meaning 'culprit' or 'criminal' in legal contexts.
Common Collocations
- 凶手 (xiōngshǒu): culprit, murderer — used in crime or police reports.
- 凶猛 (xiōngměng): fierce, ferocious — often describing animals or aggressive behavior.
- 凶险 (xiōngxiǎn): dangerous, perilous — describing risky situations.
Usage Notes
When describing people, 凶 often implies a threatening or unfriendly demeanor but can sometimes be softened by context (e.g., 'looks fierce but is kind'). As a noun, it specifically refers to a criminal or culprit, often in formal or news contexts. Avoid confusing 凶 with 凶恶 (xiōng’è), which emphasizes extreme cruelty or evil.
Tone and Register
凶 is neutral to slightly negative in tone. It is common in everyday speech when warning about danger or describing someone’s fierce look. In legal or news contexts, it is more formal when referring to criminals.