凶

• Pinyin: xiōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 凶 = 凵 (receptacle/pit) + 乂 (cross), originally depicting a dangerous pit or trap

Meaning

Fierce; ferocious; violent. Describes aggressive or dangerous behavior or appearance.

Can describe: (1) fierce animals or people; (2) violent acts or events; (3) ominous signs (opposite of 吉). Common compounds: 凶手 (murderer), 凶器 (weapon), 凶猛 (ferocious), 凶险 (perilous), 行凶 (to commit violence). In fortune-telling, 凶 means bad luck.

Examples

1. 别惹那只狗，它看起来很凶。 Don't provoke that dog; it looks fierce.
2. 这场车祸来得太凶，三辆车全毁了。 The car accident was so violent that all three cars were destroyed.
3. 她平时很温柔，生气的时候却很凶。 She's usually gentle, but she gets fierce when angry.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, descriptive, news

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 这只狗看起来很凶。(This dog looks fierce.)
• 别那么凶嘛。(Don't be so fierce/harsh.)

Don't Say

• 今天天气很凶 — 天气不用'凶'，恶劣天气说'天气很恶劣'或'天气很糟糕'

Origin & History

Originally depicted a pit or trap (凵) with a mark (乂) inside, representing danger or misfortune.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal