报仇

• Pinyin: bào chóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 报 = 扌 (hand) + 卩 (kneeling person) phonetic; 仇 = 亻 (person) + 九 (nine, phonetic)

Meaning

To take revenge; to avenge.

The act of retaliating against someone who has caused harm or injustice. Often carries emotional weight and implies a personal grievance. Can be used seriously or playfully depending on context.

Examples

1. 他发誓要为父亲报仇，找出当年的凶手。 He swore to avenge his father and find the killer from back then.
2. 上次你赢了我，这次我要报仇。 You beat me last time — this time I'm getting my revenge.
3. 君子报仇十年不晚，他一直在等待时机。 A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years — he's been waiting for the right moment.

Usage Guide

Context: conflict, games, drama

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 这盘棋我要报仇！(I'm getting revenge in this chess game!)
• 她终于报仇雪恨了。(She finally got her revenge.)

Don't Say

• 对小事说'报仇'并认真表达 (Don't seriously say 报仇 over trivial matters — it sounds disproportionate unless you're joking)

Origin & History

报 (to repay/report) + 仇 (enemy/hatred). To repay enmity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal