仇恨

• Pinyin: chóu hèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 仇 = 亻 (person) + 九 (phonetic) = enemy; 恨 = 忄 (heart) + 艮 (stubborn) = to hate

Meaning

Hatred; deep-seated animosity; intense hostility.

Stronger than 讨厌 (dislike). Describes profound, often long-lasting hatred that may drive actions. Used in serious contexts: wars, conflicts, personal vendettas. Can be both noun and verb.

Examples

1. 战争在两国人民心中埋下了仇恨的种子。 The war planted seeds of hatred in the hearts of both nations' people.
2. 他心里充满了对不公正待遇的仇恨。 His heart is filled with hatred for the unjust treatment he received.
3. 放下仇恨需要极大的勇气。 Letting go of hatred takes immense courage.

Usage Guide

Context: conflict, psychology, history, drama

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 仇恨只会带来更多的仇恨。(Hatred only breeds more hatred.)
• 我们不应该让仇恨蒙蔽双眼。(We shouldn't let hatred blind us.)

Don't Say

• 我仇恨这道菜 (Too strong for food preferences — use 讨厌 or 不喜欢)

Origin & History

Compound of 仇 (enemy/hatred) and 恨 (to hate/regret). Doubling of negative emotion intensifies the meaning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal