Meanings of 惡
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 惡
Podcast: 惡
Podcast: 惡
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 惡
恶 (è, evil) vs 坏 (huài, bad) — choose 惡 (è) for a stronger moral condemnation or intensity.
While 惡 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, it is essential to be cautious with its tone and register, especially when discussing moral issues. A common collocation is 惡行 (èxíng), meaning 'evil deeds'. Learners often confuse it with 好 (hǎo), meaning 'good', so be mindful of their oppositional meanings.
Although 惡 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for understanding negative sentiments in Chinese. Students should focus on related words like 恨 (hèn, to hate) and 讨厌 (tǎoyàn, to dislike) to expand their vocabulary around negative emotions.
Learners often confuse 惡 (è) with 恶 (è), which is the simplified form. Make sure to use the correct form based on the context, as 惡 is used in traditional contexts. A common mistake is to use 惡 to describe any unpleasant situation; instead, use it specifically for moral judgment.
Pronunciation of 惡
Drill the tone of 惡 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 惡
Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 亚 represents the sound. Simplified form of 惡.
heart
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 惡
Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 亚 represents the sound. Simplified form of 惡.
- 1The meaning half心 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half亞 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayheart
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 惡? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 惡?
Decomposition of 惡
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 惡?
How to say bad, evil, wicked; to hate, to loathe; foul, nauseating in Chinese
“bad, evil, wicked; to hate, to loathe; foul, nauseating” in Chinese is惡
The character 惡 (è) primarily means 'bad' or 'evil', often used to describe morally reprehensible actions or qualities. It can also express feelings of hatred or loathing towards someone or something. In various contexts, it might refer to something that is unpleasant or nauseating.
When to use 惡
While 惡 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, it is essential to be cautious with its tone and register, especially when discussing moral issues. A common collocation is 惡行 (èxíng), meaning 'evil deeds'. Learners often confuse it with 好 (hǎo), meaning 'good', so be mindful of their oppositional meanings.
惡 or something close to it
恶 (è, evil) vs 坏 (huài, bad) — choose 惡 (è) for a stronger moral condemnation or intensity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 惡 (è) with 恶 (è), which is the simplified form. Make sure to use the correct form based on the context, as 惡 is used in traditional contexts. A common mistake is to use 惡 to describe any unpleasant situation; instead, use it specifically for moral judgment.
Write 惡
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 惡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 惡
Compound Meaning
What does 恶心 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 惡
It is pronounced as 'è' with a falling tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 惡?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.