To intentionally try to frighten someone, sometimes playfully, sometimes with a more serious intent.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To try to make someone scared, often playfully.
- Can be done through words or actions.
- Common in everyday conversations and family settings.
Overview
“吓唬”是一个动词，表示通过制造恐惧、威胁或不安来使他人感到害怕。这种行为的意图可以是戏弄、警告，甚至恶意恐吓。它是一个非常生活化的词语，在日常交流中被广泛使用。
日常对话：描述某人试图通过言语或行动让别人感到害怕。例如：他那副凶巴巴的样子，好像想吓唬谁。
警告或威胁：在某些情况下，吓唬可能带有更严肃的意味，作为一种警告或威胁。例如：警察警告罪犯，如果再不停止，就要采取强制措施吓唬他们。
动物行为：有时也用来描述动物试图通过展示或叫声来吓唬对方。例如：那只狗对着陌生人汪汪叫，好像在吓唬它。
“吓”是一个更基础的动词，表示感到害怕或使人害怕，可以单独使用，也可以作为“吓唬”的一部分。例如：“我吓了一跳” 或 “他吓跑了”。“吓唬”则更侧重于“试图使人害怕”这个主动行为。
“威胁”表示用武力、权势或不利后果来逼迫他人服从或做某事。它强调的是一种强制性的压力和潜在的危险。“吓唬”则主要在于引起对方的恐惧感，不一定包含强制服从的目的。
“恐吓”比“吓唬”更正式，通常带有更强的威胁意味和恶意。它多用于法律、犯罪或严肃的警告场合，表示用武力、权势或危险来威胁他人。例如：“他因恐吓证人而被捕”。“吓唬”则更口语化，可以是善意的玩笑。
Examples
他喜欢在晚上讲鬼故事吓唬妹妹。
everydayHe likes to tell ghost stories at night to scare his sister.
那个人用手指指着我，试图吓唬我。
informalThat person pointed a finger at me, trying to intimidate me.
别吓唬小动物，它们会很害怕。
everydayDon't scare small animals, they will be very frightened.
在某些情况下，不当的言论可能被视为试图吓唬公众。
formalIn certain circumstances, inappropriate remarks could be seen as attempting to frighten the public.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
别吓唬我
Don't scare me.
你这是在吓唬谁呢？
Who are you trying to scare?
吓唬得不轻
Scared quite badly.
Often Confused With
'恐吓' (kǒng hè) is more formal and implies a stronger threat, often with malicious intent or in legal/criminal contexts. '吓唬' is more colloquial and can be playful.
'威胁' (wēi xiè) implies using power or potential harm to force someone to do something. '吓唬' focuses more on causing fear itself, not necessarily demanding action.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is very common in spoken Chinese and is generally informal. While it can describe serious intimidation, it's frequently used for playful scares, especially among children or friends. Be mindful of the context to understand the speaker's intent.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '吓唬' in formal writing where '恐吓' or '威胁' would be more appropriate. Also, confusing the playful intent of '吓唬' with the serious intent of '恐吓' can lead to misunderstandings.
Tips
Use playfully or seriously
Remember that '吓唬' can range from lighthearted teasing to more serious attempts to intimidate.
Avoid in formal settings
For formal contexts, consider using '恐吓' (kǒng hè) or '威胁' (wēi xiè) which carry a more serious tone.
Common among children
It's very common to hear '吓唬' used when describing how older siblings or friends playfully scare younger ones.
Word Origin
The word '吓唬' is a reduplication, combining '吓' (to scare) with '唬' (to frighten, bluff). Both characters relate to the concept of causing fear or surprise, making the meaning emphatic.
Cultural Context
Playful '吓唬' is a common part of childhood interactions in Chinese culture, similar to 'boo!' or telling mild ghost stories. It's often a way for older siblings or friends to bond or tease.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone 'hú' (呼 - shouting) loudly to 'xià' (吓 - scare) you. The sound 'hú' helps remember the second character.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“吓”是感到害怕或使人害怕，是一个更宽泛的词。而“吓唬”特指主动地、有意识地去使别人害怕，通常带有一定的行为或言语上的尝试。
“吓唬”是一个比较口语化的词，在非常正式的场合，比如法律文件或学术报告中，人们更倾向于使用“恐吓”或“威胁”等词语。
不一定。虽然“吓唬”有时含有恶意，但很多时候也用于善意的玩笑，比如大人逗小孩，或者朋友间的打趣。关键在于说话人的意图和具体语境。
被吓唬后，人可能会感到“害怕”、“紧张”、“心惊胆战”或“受惊”。如果只是被玩笑性地吓唬，可能就是“受惊吓”或“吓一跳”。
Test Yourself
别总是用鬼故事______小孩子，他们会做噩梦。
句意是不要用鬼故事使小孩子害怕，因此“吓唬”最合适。
他故意装出凶狠的样子，试图______我们，但我们都知道他在开玩笑。
句子的意思是“试图使我们害怕”，并且提到“知道他在开玩笑”，这符合“吓唬”的含义。
请用以下词语组成一个通顺的句子：老人/孩子/吓唬/不要
这是一个常见的劝诫语，意思是长辈不应该去恐吓晚辈。
Score: /3
Summary
To intentionally try to frighten someone, sometimes playfully, sometimes with a more serious intent.
- To try to make someone scared, often playfully.
- Can be done through words or actions.
- Common in everyday conversations and family settings.
Use playfully or seriously
Remember that '吓唬' can range from lighthearted teasing to more serious attempts to intimidate.
Avoid in formal settings
For formal contexts, consider using '恐吓' (kǒng hè) or '威胁' (wēi xiè) which carry a more serious tone.
Common among children
It's very common to hear '吓唬' used when describing how older siblings or friends playfully scare younger ones.
Examples
4 of 4他喜欢在晚上讲鬼故事吓唬妹妹。
He likes to tell ghost stories at night to scare his sister.
那个人用手指指着我，试图吓唬我。
That person pointed a finger at me, trying to intimidate me.
别吓唬小动物，它们会很害怕。
Don't scare small animals, they will be very frightened.
在某些情况下，不当的言论可能被视为试图吓唬公众。
In certain circumstances, inappropriate remarks could be seen as attempting to frighten the public.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
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.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
