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March 24, 2026
凶手(兇手)xiōngshǒu(xiong1shou3)
The term 凶手 (xiong1 shou3) refers to a murderer or assassin, specifically someone who has committed a violent crime. It is often used in news reports or crime dramas to indicate a perpetrator who has caused death through malicious intent. The word carries a strong negative connotation, emphasizing the severity of the act.
Frequency#770DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, crime stories and dramas are prevalent, often highlighting the concept of justice versus evil. The portrayal of a 凶手 in media reflects societal fears and moral lessons about right and wrong.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'fierce hand' (凶手) that strikes fear into the hearts of people. The character 凶 looks like a fierce animal, while 手 (shou) means 'hand'. Visualize a dramatic scene where a fierce hand is involved in a crime to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 凶手
xiōngshǒu(xiong1shou3)
1murderer
2assassin
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 凶手
凶手Simplified
兇手Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#770Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 凶手
Podcast: 凶手
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AI Study Notes for 凶手
Quick Contrast
杀手 (shāshǒu) refers more generally to a killer, while 凶手 (xiōngshǒu) specifically emphasizes the malicious intent behind the act.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'fierce hand' (凶手) that strikes fear into the hearts of people. The character 凶 looks like a fierce animal, while 手 (shou) means 'hand'. Visualize a dramatic scene where a fierce hand is involved in a crime to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 凶手 in casual conversation, as it pertains to serious criminal acts and may not fit well in informal contexts. Common collocations include 凶手被抓 (the murderer was caught) and 凶手逃脱 (the murderer escaped). Remember to use the correct tones to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 凶手 builds on vocabulary related to crime and justice. Students should focus on context usage in media and literature, and relate it to other crime-related terms such as 案件 (case) and 罪犯 (criminal).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, crime stories and dramas are prevalent, often highlighting the concept of justice versus evil. The portrayal of a 凶手 in media reflects societal fears and moral lessons about right and wrong.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 凶手 with 罪犯 (criminal), using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '他是一个凶手' (He is a criminal) is incorrect if referring to a non-lethal crime; it should be '他是一个罪犯'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 凶手
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Grammar Patterns of 凶手
凶手 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
警方认为她是被____活活用拳头打死的。
Police believe the killer punched her to death with his bare hands.
Example Sentences for 凶手 (7)
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1
警方认为她是被凶手活活用拳头打死的。
jǐng fāng rèn wéi tā shì bèi xiōng shǒu huó huó yòng quán tóu dǎ sǐ de。
Police believe the killer punched her to death with his bare hands.
2
必须将参与这一恶行的凶手绳之以法。
bì xū jiāng cān yǔ zhè yī è háng de xiōng shǒu shéng zhī yǐ fǎ。
The perpetrators of this evil deed must be brought to justice.
3
如果它现在不在那里，就在凶手那里。是吧？
rú guǒ tā xiàn zài bù zài nà lǐ， ， jiù zài xiōng shǒu nà。 lǐ 。？
So if it's not there now, the killer has it. Right?
4
警方认为那盘录像带可能录有能确认凶手身份的一些重要线索。
jǐng fāng rèn wéi nà pán lù xiàng dài kě néng lù yǒu néng què rèn xiōng shǒu shēn fèn de yī xiē zhòng yào xiàn suǒ。
The police think the videotape may hold some vital clues to the identity of the killer.
Swanson persuaded Hubley to work undercover to capture the killer.
6
灯突然啪的一声关了,谁都没看见凶手逃走.
dēng tū rán pā de yī shēng guān le, , shuí dū méi kàn jiàn xiōng shǒu táo.
Suddenly the light was snapped off and no one could see the murderer escape.
7
凶手用刀刺他.
xiōng shǒu yòng dāo cì tā.
The killer stabbed him with a knife / stabbed a knife into him.
Cultural Notes for 凶手
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, crime stories and dramas are prevalent, often highlighting the concept of justice versus evil. The portrayal of a 凶手 in media reflects societal fears and moral lessons about right and wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions about 凶手
It is generally used in formal contexts, such as news reports or crime discussions, rather than everyday conversation.
No, 凶手 specifically refers to someone who has committed murder or a similar violent act.
凶手 specifically means 'murderer', while 罪犯 (zuìfàn) is a broader term for 'criminal'.
