重创

• Pinyin: zhòng chuāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 重 = 千 + 里 (heavy); 创 = 刂 + 仓 (wound, create)

Meaning

To inflict heavy losses; to deal a severe blow. Used for serious damage to military forces, organizations, or individuals.

Describes causing significant, often devastating damage. Can refer to physical wounds in military contexts, or metaphorical damage to businesses, economies, or reputations. Implies the damage is substantial enough to impair function.

Examples

1. 敌军在这次战役中遭受重创。 The enemy forces suffered a heavy blow in this campaign.
2. 这场金融危机重创了房地产行业。 The financial crisis dealt a heavy blow to the real estate industry.
3. 竞争对手的恶意收购给公司造成重创。 A hostile takeover attempt by a competitor dealt the company a severe blow.

Usage Guide

Context: military, business, news

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 台风重创了沿海地区的基础设施。(The typhoon severely damaged the coastal infrastructure.)
• 这次丑闻重创了他的政治生涯。(This scandal dealt a heavy blow to his political career.)

Don't Say

• 我重创了手指 — use 弄伤 for minor personal injuries

Origin & History

重 (heavy, severe) + 创 (wound, trauma)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal