触犯

• Pinyin: chù fàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 触 = 角 (horn) + 虫 (insect) = to touch; 犯 = 犭 (dog) + 㔾 (kneeling person) = to offend

Meaning

To violate; to offend against; to break (laws, rules, taboos). To commit an offense by going against established norms.

Commonly used with 法律 (law), 规定 (regulations), 禁忌 (taboos), or 利益 (interests). Implies deliberate or negligent violation of something protected. More formal than 违反.

Examples

1. 任何触犯法律的行为都将受到严惩。 Any behavior that violates the law will be severely punished.
2. 他的言论触犯了公司的保密规定。 His remarks violated the company's confidentiality regulations.
3. 不要因为无知而触犯当地的风俗禁忌。 Don't violate local customs and taboos out of ignorance.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, official, ethical

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这种行为已经触犯了刑法。(This behavior has already violated criminal law.)
• 要小心不要触犯他人的利益。(Be careful not to infringe on others' interests.)

Don't Say

• 我触犯了他的心情 (触犯 is for laws, rules, or taboos — for hurting feelings, use 伤害 or 惹恼)

Origin & History

Compound of 触 (to touch, to contact) and 犯 (to offend, to violate). Together they mean to come into contact with prohibited territory.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal