伤害

• Pinyin: shāng hài
• Hanzi breakdown: 伤 = 亻(person) + phonetic component — wound, injury; 害 = 宀 (roof) + components suggesting obstruction — harm, damage

Meaning

To harm; to hurt; to injure. Refers to causing physical or emotional damage.

Describes both physical injury and emotional hurt. Functions as both a verb (to cause harm) and a noun (harm, injury). Common phrases include 受到伤害 (to be harmed) and 造成伤害 (to cause harm). Widely used in relationship, health, and legal contexts.

Examples

1. 吸烟会伤害你的身体健康。 Smoking will harm your health.
2. 他的话伤害了她的感情。 His words hurt her feelings.
3. 我不想伤害任何人。 I don't want to hurt anyone.

Usage Guide

Context: health, relationships, everyday

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 不要说那样的话，会伤害别人的。(Don't say things like that — it will hurt others.)
• 过度运动可能会伤害关节。(Excessive exercise may harm your joints.)

Don't Say

• 这把刀伤害了我的手指 for an accidental cut (For minor accidents, say 割伤了 or 弄伤了 — 伤害 implies deliberate or significant harm)

Origin & History

Compound of 伤 (wound, injury — person 亻+ phonetic) and 害 (harm, damage) — to cause harm or injury.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal