凶恶

• Pinyin: xiōng è
• Hanzi breakdown: 凶 = 凵 + 乂 (ferocious); 恶 = 亚 + 心 (evil/bad/malicious)

Meaning

Fierce and evil; ferocious; sinister or menacing in appearance or character.

Can describe both outward appearance (a fierce, threatening look) and inner character (being vicious or evil). Used for people, expressions, and aggressive animals. Common in crime reporting and literature.

Examples

1. 看守所里关押着多名面容凶恶的惯犯，警卫必须时刻保持高度警觉。 Several repeat offenders with menacing faces were being held at the detention center, and the guards had to stay highly alert at all times.
2. 这条流浪狗凶恶异常，持续向过路行人发出充满威胁性的低沉吠叫。 This stray dog was extremely aggressive, constantly letting out low, threatening barks at passersby.
3. 他虽然面相凶恶令人生畏，实则是个心地善良、乐于助人的热心市民。 Although he looks intimidating and fierce, he’s actually kindhearted and always willing to help—a warm, civic-minded resident.

Usage Guide

Context: crime, description, literature

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他用凶恶的眼神盯着对方，使对方不由自主地向后退了几步。(He glared at the other person with a fierce look, causing them to instinctively step back a few paces.)
• 面对凶恶的犯罪嫌疑人，这名年轻警察保持冷静，依法将其制服拘押。(Facing the vicious criminal suspect, the young police officer remained calm and subdued him lawfully.)

Don't Say

• 凶恶的考试题 — 凶恶 describes people or animals with threatening characteristics; for difficult exam questions use 刁钻 or 艰深; 凶恶 requires a subject capable of malice or aggression

Origin & History

凶 (fierce/ferocious) + 恶 (evil/vicious) — fierce in manner and evil in character

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional to Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal