歹徒

• Pinyin: dǎi tú
• Hanzi breakdown: 歹 = evil (pictograph of broken bone); 徒 = 彳 (step) + 土 (earth) + 走, meaning follower or person

Meaning

Villain; criminal; evildoer. A noun referring to a person who commits crimes or harmful acts.

Often used in news reports, crime stories, and official statements. More formal and journalistic than 坏人 (bad guy). Can refer to robbers, kidnappers, terrorists, or other violent criminals.

Examples

1. 警察迅速出动，将歹徒当场制服。 The police moved quickly and subdued the criminal on the spot.
2. 那名歹徒持刀抢劫了三家便利店后被抓获。 The perpetrator robbed three convenience stores at knifepoint before being apprehended.
3. 面对歹徒，他毫不退缩，保护了身边的同事。 Facing the attacker, he didn't back down and protected his coworkers.

Usage Guide

Context: news, crime, law enforcement

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 歹徒已被警方逮捕。(The criminal has been arrested by police.)
• 要小心那些歹徒。(Be careful of those criminals.)

Don't Say

• 我弟弟是个歹徒 (歹徒 implies serious criminal — use 淘气鬼 or 调皮 for a naughty sibling)

Origin & History

Compound of 歹 (evil, bad) + 徒 (person, follower). 歹 is a simplified form showing a broken bone, symbolizing death or evil.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal