可恨 in 30 Seconds
- 可恨 (kěhèn) means hateful or detestable.
- It expresses strong moral disapproval and anger.
- Use it for severe injustice or cruelty.
- Avoid for minor annoyances.
- Simple Definition
- '可恨' (kěhèn) means hateful or detestable. It's used to describe someone or something that is so bad or unfair that it makes you feel strong dislike and anger.
- Usage Context
- You would use '可恨' when you encounter actions or people that you find morally wrong, extremely unfair, or deeply offensive. It carries a strong emotional weight, expressing a profound sense of indignation.
- Emotional Intensity
- The word is not used for minor annoyances. It's reserved for situations that provoke genuine hatred or a feeling of wanting to condemn something or someone completely. Think of betrayals, severe injustices, or cruel acts.
那个卖国贼的行为真是可恨！
这种残忍的欺凌行为是可恨的。
- Basic Structure
- The simplest way to use '可恨' is to place it after the noun it describes, often with '的' (de) in between. For example, '可恨的人' (kěhèn de rén) means a hateful person.
- With Verbs
- It can also be used with verbs like '是' (shì - to be) or '感到' (gǎndào - to feel). For instance, '他的行为是可恨的' (tā de xíngwéi shì kěhèn de) means 'His behavior is hateful'.
我们不能容忍这种可恨的言论。
这个可恨的骗子骗走了我所有的积蓄。
他对无辜者施加的痛苦是可恨的。
- News and Current Events
- You'll frequently encounter '可恨' in news reports discussing crimes, acts of terrorism, political corruption, or severe human rights abuses. It's used by commentators and the public to express outrage over such events.
- Historical Accounts
- When discussing historical figures or events that involved great cruelty, betrayal, or injustice, '可恨' is often employed. Think of describing the actions of dictators or the perpetrators of historical atrocities.
- Literature and Drama
- In novels, plays, and films, '可恨' is used to portray characters who are genuinely evil or whose actions evoke strong negative emotions in the audience. It's a common descriptor for villains or antagonists.
历史书上那些可恨的侵略者.
观众们对反派的可恨行为感到愤怒。
- Overuse for Minor Issues
- The most common mistake is using '可恨' for things that are merely annoying or inconvenient. For example, saying 'My alarm clock is hateful' (我的闹钟很可恨) is too strong. For annoyance, words like '讨厌' (tǎoyàn - annoying) are more appropriate.
- Confusing with Similar Words
- Learners might confuse '可恨' with words that express simple dislike or anger without the strong moral condemnation. While '生气' (shēngqì - to be angry) or '讨厌' (tǎoyàn - annoying) express negative emotions, they lack the depth of moral judgment inherent in '可恨'.
Incorrect: 这个天气真可恨！
Correct: 这个天气真烦人！ (fánrén - annoying)
- 可憎 (kězēng)
- '可憎' is very similar to '可恨' and also means detestable or abominable. It often implies something that is morally repugnant and disgusting. The nuance is very slight, and they are often interchangeable in contexts of strong moral condemnation.
- 邪恶 (xié'è)
- '邪恶' means evil. While hateful actions can be evil, '邪恶' focuses more on the inherent maliciousness or wickedness of a person or force, rather than the feeling of hatred it evokes. You might call a villain '邪恶', and their actions '可恨'.
- 讨厌 (tǎoyàn)
- '讨厌' means annoying or disliked. This is a much milder term. You would use '讨厌' for things that irritate you or people you simply don't like, not for acts of severe injustice or cruelty. For example, 'I dislike him' is '我讨厌他', not '我可恨他'.
- 愤怒 (fènnù)
- '愤怒' means anger. While '可恨' often leads to anger, '愤怒' is the emotion itself. You can be angry about many things, but '可恨' describes the object of your anger when it involves a strong sense of moral outrage.
Comparison: The villain's actions were 可恨, and he was an 邪恶 person.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '恨' itself has a complex origin, potentially related to '心' (heart) and '因' (cause), suggesting a cause originating from the heart that leads to hatred. The addition of '可' to form '可恨' standardizes it as an adjective indicating that something possesses the quality of being hatable.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '可' without aspiration (like 'gě').
- Making the vowel in '可' too long or too rounded.
- Adding an intrusive vowel sound between '可' and '恨'.
Difficulty Rating
Understanding '可恨' in reading requires recognizing its strong negative connotation and its use in contexts of moral judgment. It's typically found in texts discussing serious issues, so context is key.
Using '可恨' correctly in writing demands careful consideration of the situation. Overuse or misuse can sound overly dramatic or inappropriate. It's best employed when a strong, morally charged negative sentiment is genuinely intended.
Speaking '可恨' requires confidence in expressing strong emotions. It's a word that can significantly impact the tone of a conversation, so its usage should be deliberate and appropriate to the context.
Recognizing '可恨' when spoken is crucial for understanding the speaker's level of disapproval or anger. Its strong emotional weight means it's unlikely to be used casually.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective + 的 + Noun
可恨 + 的 + 人 (hateful person). This is a fundamental pattern for using adjectives to modify nouns.
Subject + 是 + Adjective
他的行为 + 是 + 可恨的 (His behavior is hateful). This is a common way to make a statement about the quality of something.
Adverb + Adjective
非常 + 可恨 (very hateful). Adverbs like '非常' (very), '极其' (extremely), '太' (too) can intensify adjectives.
Verb + Object + Adjective
我 + 觉得 + 他的行为 + 可恨 (I find his behavior hateful). Verbs like '觉得' (feel/think) and '认为' (consider) can precede an object that is described by an adjective.
Adjective + 至极
可恨 + 至极 (extremely hateful). This pattern adds a high degree of intensity to the adjective.
Examples by Level
那个骗子真是可恨。
The swindler is really hateful.
'可恨' is used here as an adjective describing the swindler.
我可恨他偷了我的东西。
I hate that he stole my things.
'可恨' can be used with verbs like '恨' (hèn - to hate) to express a strong dislike for an action.
这种不公平的对待太可恨了。
This unfair treatment is too detestable.
'太...了' (tài...le) structure is used to emphasize the degree of '可恨'.
那个可恨的噪音让我无法入睡。
That hateful noise kept me from sleeping.
'可恨' modifies the noun '噪音' (zàoyīn - noise).
他的谎言真是可恨。
His lies are truly detestable.
This sentence expresses strong disapproval of someone's dishonesty.
我可恨那些欺负弱小的人。
I detest those who bully the weak.
Expresses a strong moral stance against bullying.
这种可恨的行为必须停止。
This detestable behavior must stop.
'必须' (bìxū - must) indicates a strong imperative to end the behavior.
他是一个可恨的敌人。
He is a hateful enemy.
Describes an antagonist with strong negative feelings.
那个政客的腐败行为引起了公众的可恨。
The politician's corrupt actions aroused public detestation.
Here, '可恨' is the object of the public's feeling, implying strong moral outrage.
我们必须谴责这种可恨的暴行。
We must condemn these detestable atrocities.
'谴责' (qiǎnzé - to condemn) is a strong verb often associated with '可恨' actions.
他对家庭的背叛是可恨的。
His betrayal of his family is detestable.
Betrayal is a common context for using '可恨'.
这种可恨的歧视政策必须被废除。
This detestable discriminatory policy must be abolished.
'歧视' (qíshì - discrimination) is often described as '可恨'.
历史上有许多可恨的统治者。
There have been many hateful rulers in history.
Refers to historical figures whose actions are viewed with strong disapproval.
她可恨自己当初没有听从劝告。
She hates herself for not listening to advice back then.
While less common, '可恨' can sometimes express self-loathing for a past mistake, though '后悔' (hòuhuǐ - regret) is more typical.
那场战争造成的苦难是可恨的。
The suffering caused by that war is detestable.
Describes the negative consequences of events.
他的冷漠态度让我觉得他很可恨。
His indifferent attitude makes me find him detestable.
Indifference to suffering can be seen as '可恨'.
我们不能容忍任何形式的可恨的仇恨言论。
We cannot tolerate any form of detestable hate speech.
'仇恨言论' (chóuhèn yánlùn - hate speech) is a common collocation with '可恨'.
这种利用公众恐惧的可恨策略是不可接受的。
This detestable strategy of exploiting public fear is unacceptable.
Describes manipulative and unethical tactics.
历史铭记着那些可恨的压迫者及其可恨的行为。
History remembers those detestable oppressors and their detestable actions.
Repetition of '可恨' emphasizes the extreme negativity associated with oppressors.
他对弱势群体的剥削是可恨至极的。
His exploitation of the vulnerable is extremely detestable.
'至极' (zhìjí - to the extreme) intensifies '可恨'.
这种可恨的背叛行为玷污了他的声誉。
This detestable act of betrayal tarnished his reputation.
'玷污' (diànwū - to tarnish/stain) is a strong verb used with negative actions.
他的虚伪和欺骗是可恨的。
His hypocrisy and deception are detestable.
'虚伪' (xūwèi - hypocrisy) and '欺骗' (qīpiàn - deception) are often described as '可恨'.
我们不能对可恨的罪行保持沉默。
We cannot remain silent in the face of detestable crimes.
Emphasizes the moral obligation to speak out against wrongdoing.
这种可恨的阴谋最终被揭露了。
This detestable conspiracy was finally exposed.
'阴谋' (yīnmóu - conspiracy) is often described as '可恨'.
那些可恨的法西斯主义者所犯下的罪行，至今仍令人发指。
The crimes committed by those detestable fascists are still outrageous today.
'令人发指' (lìng rén fā zhǐ - to make one's hair stand on end; outrageous) is a strong descriptor often paired with the actions described as '可恨'.
这种可恨的操纵舆论的行为，是对民主的亵渎。
This detestable act of manipulating public opinion is a blasphemy against democracy.
'操纵舆论' (cāozòng yúlùn - manipulate public opinion) is a complex concept often viewed negatively.
历史的教训是，我们绝不能对可恨的压迫和不公袖手旁观。
The lesson of history is that we must never stand idly by in the face of detestable oppression and injustice.
'袖手旁观' (xiù shǒu páng guān - to stand by with folded arms; to be an onlooker) highlights the importance of action.
他可恨自己当初的懦弱，导致了无法挽回的悲剧。
He detests his past cowardice, which led to an irreparable tragedy.
Self-condemnation for past failures that resulted in severe consequences.
这种可恨的剥削制度，是人类文明的耻辱。
This detestable system of exploitation is a disgrace to human civilization.
'耻辱' (chǐrǔ - disgrace/shame) is a strong word used to describe such systems.
面对可恨的谎言和诽谤，真相终将大白。
In the face of detestable lies and slander, the truth will eventually prevail.
'诽谤' (fěibàng - slander) is often paired with '谎言' (huǎngyán - lies).
对无辜生命的可恨的践踏，是任何文明社会都无法容忍的。
The detestable trampling of innocent lives is something no civilized society can tolerate.
'践踏' (jiàntà - to trample) is a strong verb describing the violation of lives.
他可恨的自私自利，最终导致了他众叛亲离的结局。
His detestable selfishness ultimately led to his downfall, with everyone abandoning him.
'众叛亲离' (zhòng pàn qīn lí - betrayed by followers and forsaken by relatives) is a strong idiom describing the consequence of extreme selfishness.
那些可恨的煽动者，利用了民众的无知和恐惧，播下了仇恨的种子。
Those detestable demagogues exploited the ignorance and fear of the populace, sowing the seeds of hatred.
'煽动者' (shāndòng zhě - agitator/demagogue) is a precise term for individuals who incite negative emotions.
历史的洪流中，充斥着无数可恨的压迫者，他们可恨的行径至今仍警示着后人。
The tide of history is filled with countless detestable oppressors, whose detestable actions still serve as a warning to posterity.
Elevated language using '洪流' (hóngliú - torrent/tide) and '警示' (jǐngshì - to warn).
他可恨自己当初在关键时刻的犹豫不决，那可恨的延误导致了灾难性的后果。
He detests his indecisiveness at the critical moment; that detestable delay led to catastrophic consequences.
Focuses on the severe ramifications of a character flaw.
这种可恨的制度性歧视，其根源深植于几个世纪的偏见和不公。
The roots of this detestable systemic discrimination are deeply embedded in centuries of prejudice and injustice.
'制度性' (zhìdù xìng - systemic) and '根源深植' (gēnyuán shēn zhí - deeply rooted) add complexity.
面对可恨的谎言和可恨的诽谤，真相的微光终将驱散黑暗。
In the face of detestable lies and detestable slander, the faint light of truth will eventually dispel the darkness.
Poetic and metaphorical language, emphasizing the struggle between truth and falsehood.
他的可恨的自私自利，不仅让他众叛亲离，更让他成为了历史的罪人。
His detestable selfishness not only led to his abandonment by all but also made him a sinner in the eyes of history.
Connects personal failings to historical judgment.
这种可恨的奴役制度，是对人类尊严最可恨的践踏。
This detestable system of slavery is the most detestable trampling of human dignity.
Uses superlative degree and strong imagery to condemn slavery.
那些可恨的宣传机器，企图用可恨的谎言来掩盖其可恨的罪行。
Those detestable propaganda machines attempted to cover up their detestable crimes with detestable lies.
Intensive use of '可恨' to describe propaganda and its underlying motives and actions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It's truly hateful! / How detestable!
那个骗子又骗了人，真是可恨！
— Extremely hateful; the height of detestability.
这种残忍的行为是可恨至极的。
— Makes one detest; deserving of hatred.
他的背叛令人可恨。
— So hateful! / Too detestable!
他做的那些事，太可恨了！
— To detest bitterly; to abhor.
我们对这种可恨的腐败深恶痛绝。
— Hateful fellow/guy.
那个可恨的家伙又来了。
— How detestable! (more literary)
那些可恨的压迫者，何其可恨！
— Outrageous; hair-raising (often used with detestable acts).
这种可恨的罪行真是令人发指。
— Cannot coexist under the same sky; sworn enemy (implies extreme hatred).
对于可恨的仇敌，我们誓死不休。
— To detest bitterly; to abhor.
我们对这种可恨的压迫深恶痛绝。
Often Confused With
'讨厌' means annoying or disliked. It's much milder than '可恨'. You might find a mosquito '讨厌', but you would call a murderer '可恨'.
'生气' means to be angry. Anger is an emotion, while '可恨' describes something that *causes* that strong, morally charged emotion. You can be angry about many things, but only truly bad or unjust things are '可恨'.
'恨' means to hate (verb) or hatred (noun). '可恨' is an adjective meaning 'worthy of hate' or 'hateful'. You can 'hate' someone ('恨他'), and that person might be '可恨'.
Idioms & Expressions
— Cannot bear it any longer; beyond tolerance. Often used when something detestable finally pushes someone to their limit.
面对如此可恨的欺凌，他忍无可忍，终于爆发了。
General— Guilty of the most heinous crimes; extremely wicked. Describes someone whose actions are so bad they deserve the strongest condemnation, often associated with '可恨'.
那个可恨的罪犯罪大恶极。
Formal— Too numerous to record; describing crimes so numerous and heinous that even if all the bamboo were used to write them, it wouldn't be enough. Implies extreme wickedness and detestability.
他所犯下的可恨罪行，真是罄竹难书。
Formal/Literary— Public indignation is immense. Often used to describe the widespread feeling against something or someone deemed '可恨'.
他的可恨行为引发了民愤极大的局面。
General— Betrayed by followers and forsaken by relatives; completely isolated. Often the result of extremely selfish or detestable actions.
他可恨的自私自利最终让他众叛亲离。
General— Both humans and gods are indignant; universally condemned. Describes actions so wicked they are abhorred by everyone and even the divine.
这种可恨的暴行人神共愤。
Formal/Literary— Cannot be tolerated by heaven's law; utterly unjustifiable. Used for actions that are so wrong they defy natural or divine justice.
他可恨的行为天理不容。
Formal— Cannot coexist under the same sky; sworn enemy. Expresses an irreconcilable hatred, often towards those who have committed '可恨' acts.
对于可恨的仇敌，我们不共戴天。
Formal— To leave a bad name for ten thousand years; to be infamous forever. Describes the lasting infamy of someone who committed '可恨' deeds.
那个可恨的暴君遗臭万年。
Formal— Too numerous to record; describing crimes so numerous and heinous that even if all the bamboo were used to write them, it wouldn't be enough. Implies extreme wickedness and detestability.
他所犯下的可恨罪行，真是罄竹难书。
Formal/LiteraryEasily Confused
Both mean detestable and are used for strong moral condemnation.
'可憎' often implies something that is morally repugnant and disgusting, perhaps even physically repulsive in its badness. '可恨' focuses more on the feeling of hatred it evokes. While very close, '可憎' can sometimes feel even more visceral in its disgust.
他的<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>行为让我们愤怒，而他那<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可憎</mark>的嘴脸则令人作呕。
Both describe something bad and morally wrong.
'邪恶' describes inherent wickedness or malice. '可恨' describes something that *evokes* hatred due to its badness. An 'evil' person ('邪恶的人') would likely do 'hateful' things ('可恨的事情').
这个<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>邪恶</mark>的计划<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>至极。
Both describe negative character traits or actions.
'卑鄙' refers to meanness, baseness, or lack of honor, often involving trickery or dishonorable conduct. '可恨' is the strong emotional reaction to such actions or character. A '卑鄙' act is very likely to be '可恨'.
他用<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>卑鄙</mark>的手段欺骗了我们，真是<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>！
Both describe negative qualities associated with causing harm.
'残忍' specifically refers to cruelty, the infliction of pain or suffering without mercy. '可恨' is the feeling of hatred evoked by such cruelty (among other bad actions). A '残忍' act is almost always '可恨'.
这种<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>残忍</mark>的酷刑<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>令人</mark>发<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>指</mark>，<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>至极。
Both relate to strong negative intent or quality.
'恶毒' means malicious or venomous, often describing words, curses, or intentions filled with ill will. '可恨' is the broader term for something worthy of hatred, which can include '恶毒' intentions or speech.
她<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>恶毒</mark>地诅咒着他，他的<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>行为才导致了这一切。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + [是/很/真] + 可恨
那个骗子<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>很可恨</mark>。
可恨 + 的 + Noun
这是<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨的</mark>行为。
Subject + 觉得/认为 + Object + (很) + 可恨
我<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>觉得</mark>他的谎言<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>。
Object + 令人 + 可恨
他的<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>背叛</mark>令人<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>。
Subject + 对 + Object + (的) + 可恨 + [感到/表示]
我们对<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>这种</mark>不公<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>感到</mark>可恨。
Subject + [是/表现出] + 可恨 + 至极
他的<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>残忍</mark>是<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨至极</mark>的。
面对 + Noun + (的) + 可恨 + [情况/行为]
面对<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨的</mark>压迫，人民奋起反抗。
Subject + [认为/称] + Object + 是 + [极其/无比] + 可恨
历史学家<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>称</mark>这位暴君是<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>极其可恨</mark>的。
Word Family
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Medium-High in contexts of strong moral disapproval.
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Using '可恨' for minor annoyances.
→
Using '讨厌' (tǎoyàn - annoying) or '烦人' (fánrén - bothersome).
'可恨' is too strong for things like bad weather or a slow internet connection. These are better described as '讨厌' or '烦人'.
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Confusing '可恨' with '生气' (shēngqì - to be angry).
→
Understanding that '可恨' describes the cause of anger, while '生气' is the emotion itself.
You can be '生气' (angry) because something is '可恨' (hateful). They are related but not interchangeable. '可恨' is an adjective describing the object of your anger.
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Using '可恨' without sufficient context.
→
Providing context or examples to justify the strong word '可恨'.
Simply calling someone '可恨' without explanation can sound like an unsupported accusation. It's better to explain *why* they are considered '可恨' (e.g., due to their actions).
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Pronouncing '可' without aspiration.
→
Pronouncing '可' (kě) with an aspirated 'k' sound (like 'kh' in 'kit').
Failing to aspirate the 'k' can change the sound and potentially lead to confusion, though in this specific word, the meaning is usually clear from context.
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Treating '可恨' as a verb.
→
Using it as an adjective, often with '是' or '很'.
'可恨' describes a noun. You cannot directly say '我可恨他' (I hateful him). Instead, you'd say '我觉得他很可恨' (I find him very hateful) or '我恨他' (I hate him).
Tips
Intensity Matters
Remember that '可恨' is a very strong word. It's not for everyday annoyances. Think of it as reserved for situations that evoke genuine moral outrage, like severe injustice, cruelty, or betrayal.
vs. 讨厌 (tǎoyàn)
'讨厌' means annoying or disliked, which is much milder. Use '讨厌' for things that bother you, and '可恨' for things that make you feel intense hatred and moral condemnation.
Aspiration
Ensure you aspirate the 'k' sound in '可' (kě) – it should sound like 'kh' as in 'kit', not 'g' as in 'go'.
Mnemonic Aid
Think of '可' sounding like 'curse' and '恨' meaning 'hate'. So, '可恨' = 'curse and hate', a strong reaction to something truly bad.
Adjective Usage
'可恨' functions as an adjective. It can directly precede a noun with '的' (e.g., 可恨的人 - hateful person) or follow a linking verb like '是' (e.g., 他的行为是可恨的 - His actions are hateful).
Close Synonym: 可憎 (kězēng)
'可憎' is very similar and often interchangeable, meaning detestable or abominable. It might carry a slightly stronger sense of disgust.
Opposite Feeling
The opposite of the strong negative feeling of '可恨' would be positive emotions like '可爱' (lovely/cute) or '可敬' (respectable/admirable).
Avoid Overuse
Overusing '可恨' for minor issues can make your language sound overly dramatic or even aggressive. Choose your words wisely based on the severity of the situation.
Moral Judgment
The word reflects a cultural emphasis on moral judgment. Using '可恨' signifies a strong ethical condemnation, not just personal dislike.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a character named 'Ken' (sounds like '可') who did something extremely bad, like stealing everyone's candy. Everyone hates Ken. So, 'Ken' (可) did something 'hateful' (恨). '可恨'!
Visual Association
Picture a very dark, menacing cloud (representing something detestable) with the characters '可恨' written on it in a jagged, angry font. The cloud is raining down sharp, pointy objects.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a historical villain or a fictional antagonist using '可恨' and at least two other related negative adjectives. For example, ' Hitler was a 可恨 and 邪恶 leader whose actions were 卑鄙 and 残忍.'
Word Origin
The word '可恨' is formed by combining '可' (kě) and '恨' (hèn). '可' in this context means 'able to be' or 'worthy of', and '恨' means 'hate' or 'hatred'. Therefore, '可恨' literally means 'able to be hated' or 'worthy of hate'.
Original meaning: Worthy of hate.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
This word is very strong and should be used carefully. Applying it to minor annoyances can sound overly dramatic or even aggressive. It's best reserved for situations that evoke genuine moral outrage.
While 'hateful' and 'detestable' are direct translations, the intensity and moral judgment conveyed by '可恨' can sometimes feel stronger than everyday English usage of these terms. It's akin to saying something is 'abominable' or 'despicable' in a context of significant moral failing.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing crimes or social injustices.
- 这种<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的犯罪行为
- 对<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的不公感到愤怒
- 那些<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的罪犯
Describing villains in stories or history.
- 那个<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的坏蛋
- 历史上<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的统治者
- 他的<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>行为
Expressing strong personal disapproval of someone's actions.
- 你太<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>了！
- 我<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>他这样做。
- 这种态度真<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>。
Commenting on political or social issues.
- 这种<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的政策
- 对<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的腐败深恶痛绝
- 那些<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的言论
Describing acts of betrayal or severe unfairness.
- 他的<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>背叛
- 这种<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的不公
- 多么<mark class='bg-gray-200 dark:bg-gray-800 px-0.5 rounded'>可恨</mark>的陷害！
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever encountered a situation that made you feel truly '可恨'?"
"What kind of actions would you describe as '可恨'?"
"Can you think of a historical figure whose actions were considered '可恨'?"
"How does '可恨' differ from simply being 'annoying'?"
"When is it appropriate to use a strong word like '可恨'?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt intense dislike or anger towards someone's actions. Could you use '可恨' to describe the situation, and why or why not?
Imagine a character in a story who commits a '可恨' act. What motivates them, and what are the consequences of their actions?
Reflect on a societal issue that you find deeply unfair or morally wrong. How would you express your strong disapproval using terms like '可恨'?
Compare and contrast the feeling of being '可恨' with the feeling of being '可怜' (pitiable). When might someone be both?
Write a short paragraph about a fictional villain, using the word '可恨' at least twice to describe their character or deeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, '可恨' is a very strong word. It signifies a deep level of hatred and moral condemnation, typically reserved for actions or people perceived as extremely unjust, cruel, or wicked. It is not used for minor annoyances.
While less common, '可恨' can sometimes be used metaphorically for inanimate objects or situations that cause significant trouble or hardship, especially if they evoke a strong sense of frustration bordering on hatred. For example, someone might say '这个可恨的机器又坏了！' (This hateful machine broke down again!), but '烦人' (annoying) is usually more appropriate for objects.
'讨厌' (tǎoyàn) means annoying or disliked. It's a much milder term used for things that irritate or people you simply don't like. '可恨' implies a profound moral outrage and intense hatred, usually due to severe injustice or cruelty. You might find a loud neighbor '讨厌', but you would describe a war criminal as '可恨'.
'恨' (hèn) is a verb meaning 'to hate' or a noun meaning 'hatred'. '可恨' is an adjective meaning 'hateful' or 'detestable', describing something that is worthy of hate. You can '恨' (hate) something that is '可恨' (hateful).
Use '可恨' when you want to express strong moral disapproval and intense dislike or anger towards someone's actions, character, or a situation that is perceived as profoundly unjust, cruel, or wicked. For example, 'That traitor's betrayal was truly 可恨.'
Yes, common phrases include '可恨至极' (extremely hateful), '令人可恨' (makes one detest/hateful), and '真是可恨！' (It's truly hateful!). These phrases help to intensify or express the strong emotion associated with the word.
Yes, though less common than criticizing others, one might use '可恨' to express self-loathing for past actions they deem extremely wrong or regrettable. For example, '我可恨自己当初的懦弱' (I detest my past cowardice). However, '后悔' (regret) is often more typical for self-criticism.
Similar words include '可憎' (kězēng - detestable, abominable), '邪恶' (xié'è - evil), '卑鄙' (bēibǐ - despicable), and '残忍' (cánrěn - cruel). These words often describe the qualities that make something '可恨'.
'可恨' can be used in both, but its strength lends itself well to formal condemnations (e.g., in news reports about crimes) and to expressing strong personal feelings in informal settings. However, it's always about the severity of the situation.
Literally, '可恨' means 'able to be hated' or 'worthy of hate'. The character '可' (kě) means 'able to be' or 'worthy of', and '恨' (hèn) means 'hate'.
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Summary
'可恨' (kěhèn) is a strong adjective used to describe people or actions that are deeply hateful, detestable, or morally reprehensible due to extreme injustice, cruelty, or wickedness. It conveys a powerful sense of moral outrage and condemnation, distinguishing it from milder terms like 'annoying' (讨厌).
- 可恨 (kěhèn) means hateful or detestable.
- It expresses strong moral disapproval and anger.
- Use it for severe injustice or cruelty.
- Avoid for minor annoyances.
Intensity Matters
Remember that '可恨' is a very strong word. It's not for everyday annoyances. Think of it as reserved for situations that evoke genuine moral outrage, like severe injustice, cruelty, or betrayal.
vs. 讨厌 (tǎoyàn)
'讨厌' means annoying or disliked, which is much milder. Use '讨厌' for things that bother you, and '可恨' for things that make you feel intense hatred and moral condemnation.
Context is Key
The meaning and impact of '可恨' are heavily dependent on the context. It's often found in news reports about crimes, historical accounts of tyranny, or fictional portrayals of villains.
Aspiration
Ensure you aspirate the 'k' sound in '可' (kě) – it should sound like 'kh' as in 'kit', not 'g' as in 'go'.
Example
他的行为真是可恨。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
一点
A1A little; a bit; slightly.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
