浩劫

hàojié

calamity

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"浩劫" refers to a large-scale disaster or catastrophe, often involving widespread destruction and loss. It is commonly used in formal or literary contexts to describe events like natural disasters, wars, or other major calamities.

Common Collocations

  • "浩劫来临" (the catastrophe arrives): used to emphasize the sudden onset of disaster.
  • "经历浩劫" (to experience a catastrophe): describing surviving or going through a major disaster.
  • "避免浩劫" (to avoid catastrophe): used in discussions about prevention or mitigation.

Usage Notes

When using "浩劫," speakers often imply a serious, large-scale impact beyond ordinary troubles. It carries a somber tone and is less common in casual conversation. Avoid confusing it with smaller-scale disasters or accidents, which would use words like "灾难" or "事故."

Example Sentences

这场地震带来了巨大的浩劫,许多房屋倒塌,人员伤亡惨重。

Zhè chǎng dìzhèn dàilái le jùdà de hàojié, xǔduō fángwū dǎotā, rényuán

This earthquake brought a huge catastrophe, with many houses collapsing and

战争给这个国家带来了浩劫,经济和社会都遭受了严重破坏。

Zhànzhēng gěi zhège guójiā dàilái le hàojié, jīngjì hé shèhuì dōu

The war brought a catastrophe to this country, severely damaging its economy

面对浩劫,人们必须团结一致,共同努力重建家园。

Miànduì hàojié, rénmen bìxū tuánjié yīzhì, gòngtóng nǔlì chóngjiàn jiāyuán.

In the face of catastrophe, people must unite and work together to rebuild