凶狠

xiōnghěn

cruel

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"凶狠" describes someone or something that is cruel, fierce, or merciless. It often conveys a strong negative impression, emphasizing brutality or harshness.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used to describe people’s behavior, especially criminals, villains, or competitors who show no mercy. It can also describe expressions or actions that are intimidating or aggressive.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

Using "凶狠" implies a strong emotional reaction from the speaker, often fear or disapproval. It is more intense than simply "" (fierce) and highlights cruelty or ruthlessness.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "凶狠" with "凶猛" which means fierce or ferocious but can be neutral or positive (like a fierce animal). "凶狠" always carries a negative, cruel connotation.

Example Sentences

那个罪犯的行为非常凶狠,令人害怕。

Nàgè zuìfàn de xíngwéi fēicháng xiōnghěn, lìng rén hàipà.

The criminal's behavior was very vicious and frightening.

他在比赛中表现得很凶狠,毫不留情。

Tā zài bǐsài zhōng biǎoxiàn de hěn xiōnghěn, háo bù liúqíng.

He acted fiercely in the competition, showing no mercy.

这部电影描写了一个凶狠的反派角色。

Zhè bù diànyǐng miáoxiě le yīgè xiōnghěn de fǎnpài juésè.

This movie depicts a vicious villain character.