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March 24, 2026
可怕kěpà(ke3pa4)
可怕 (kěpà) means 'awful' or 'scary' and is often used to describe something that evokes fear or dread. It can refer to both physical objects, like a frightening movie, or abstract concepts, such as a dreadful situation. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to express strong negative emotions.
Frequency#936DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fear is often explored in folklore and ghost stories, especially during festivals like the Hungry Ghost Festival. The use of 可怕 can evoke these cultural narratives and highlight the importance of respecting the supernatural.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scary scene where someone sees a big 'K' (可) that is 'pah!' (怕) inducing fear. The '可' resembles a person with arms raised in fright, and '怕' sounds like 'pa' which you might exclaim in shock. Together they create a vivid image of something truly fearsome.
Meanings of 可怕
kěpà(ke3pa4)
1awful
2dreadful
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 可怕
可怕Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#936Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 可怕
Podcast: 可怕
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AI Study Notes for 可怕
Quick Contrast
可怕 (kěpà) vs 恐怖 (kǒngbù) — use 可怕 for a broader range of fearful situations, while 恐怖 is more specific to horror or terror.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a scary scene where someone sees a big 'K' (可) that is 'pah!' (怕) inducing fear. The '可' resembles a person with arms raised in fright, and '怕' sounds like 'pa' which you might exclaim in shock. Together they create a vivid image of something truly fearsome.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 可怕 with similar adjectives like 可笑 (kěxiào, funny) or 可爱 (kě'ài, cute), which can lead to misunderstandings in context. It's typically used in informal settings but can also be used in writing. Be careful with the tone; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 可怕 helps learners expand their vocabulary related to emotions and descriptions. Students should focus on using it in various contexts, particularly in storytelling or discussing fears, which can help reinforce its meaning and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fear is often explored in folklore and ghost stories, especially during festivals like the Hungry Ghost Festival. The use of 可怕 can evoke these cultural narratives and highlight the importance of respecting the supernatural.
Common Mistakes
Learners may use 可怕 inappropriately by saying things like '这件衣服可怕' (This clothing is scary), which doesn't make sense. Instead, use it for contexts that genuinely evoke fear or dread, such as a horror movie.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 可怕
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Grammar Patterns of 可怕
可怕 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 10 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这是我记忆中最____的一晚。
This is the most awful evening I can ever remember.
Example Sentences for 可怕 (10)
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1
这是我记忆中最可怕的一晚。
zhè shì wǒ jì yì zhōng zuì kě pà de yī wǎn。
This is the most awful evening I can ever remember.
2
一声尖叫打破了这可怕的沉寂。
yī shēng jiān jiào dǎ pò le zhè kě pà de chén jì。
The unearthly silence was broken by a shrill screaming.
3
没人知道如何治疗这种可怕的疾病。
méi rén zhī dào rú hé zhì liáo zhè zhǒng kě pà de jí bìng。
No one knew how to treat this dreaded disease.
4
今天报上登的那宗勒索案真可怕。
jīn tiān bào shàng dēng de nà zōng lè suǒ àn zhēn kě pà。
That was a terrible case of blackmail in the paper today.
The captain decided to withhold the terrible news even from his officers.
Cultural Notes for 可怕
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of fear is often explored in folklore and ghost stories, especially during festivals like the Hungry Ghost Festival. The use of 可怕 can evoke these cultural narratives and highlight the importance of respecting the supernatural.
Frequently Asked Questions about 可怕
Yes, 可怕 can describe people who are frightening in behavior or appearance, but it's often used for situations or things.
Yes, 可怕 carries a negative connotation, suggesting something that induces fear or horror.
You can say, '这个电影很可怕' (This movie is very scary).
