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March 24, 2026
英雄yīngxióng(ying1xiong2)
The term 英雄 (yīng xióng) refers to a hero, someone admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. It is commonly used in literature, movies, and everyday conversation to describe individuals who display bravery or selflessness, often in the face of danger or adversity.
Frequency#1079DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a hero often ties to historical figures, such as generals or revolutionaries, who are celebrated for their contributions to the nation. The portrayal of heroes in Chinese films and literature often emphasizes loyalty and sacrifice.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'Ying' (sounds like 'ying') bird soaring high in the sky, a symbol of bravery. The character 英 (yīng) suggests excellence, while 雄 (xióng) embodies masculinity and strength. Picture a heroic figure with wings, representing the ultimate hero who rises above challenges.
Meanings of 英雄
yīngxióng(ying1xiong2)
1hero
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About 英雄
英雄Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#1079Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 英雄
Podcast: 英雄
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AI Study Notes for 英雄
Quick Contrast
勇士 (yǒng shì) - use 英雄 (yīng xióng) for someone admired for noble qualities, while 勇士 (yǒng shì) emphasizes bravery in battle or combat.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Ying' (sounds like 'ying') bird soaring high in the sky, a symbol of bravery. The character 英 (yīng) suggests excellence, while 雄 (xióng) embodies masculinity and strength. Picture a heroic figure with wings, representing the ultimate hero who rises above challenges.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 英雄 in contexts where a simpler term like '好人' (hǎo rén, good person) might be more appropriate. 英雄 is more formal and often used in storytelling or historical contexts. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing it could change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 英雄 connects to other words related to bravery and virtue, such as 勇敢 (yǒng gǎn, brave) and 英俊 (yīng jùn, handsome). Focus on understanding its usage in various contexts, particularly in literature and media.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a hero often ties to historical figures, such as generals or revolutionaries, who are celebrated for their contributions to the nation. The portrayal of heroes in Chinese films and literature often emphasizes loyalty and sacrifice.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 英雄 with the word 勇士 (yǒng shì, warrior), which emphasizes fighting and combat rather than heroic qualities. The correct usage would be '他是一位英雄' (tā shì yī wèi yīng xióng) instead of '他是勇士'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 英雄
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Grammar Patterns of 英雄
英雄 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.
A helmsman is tested in a rough sea; a hero is distinguished in difficult circumstances.
Cultural Notes for 英雄
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of a hero often ties to historical figures, such as generals or revolutionaries, who are celebrated for their contributions to the nation. The portrayal of heroes in Chinese films and literature often emphasizes loyalty and sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions about 英雄
You can say '他是一个英雄' (tā shì yī gè yīng xióng) meaning 'He is a hero.'
Yes, 英雄 can refer to both male and female heroes in a broader sense, though there are specific terms for female heroes, such as 女英雄 (nǚ yīng xióng).
英雄 refers to a hero characterized by bravery, while 英俊 describes someone who is handsome or outstanding, often in appearance.