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March 24, 2026
冷酷lěngkù(leng3ku4)
冷酷 (lěngkù) refers to a demeanor that is cold and unfeeling, often used to describe individuals who lack empathy or compassion. This term can be applied in both personal and social contexts, often conveying a sense of harshness or indifference towards others' feelings or situations.
Frequency#6081DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 冷酷 is often viewed negatively, especially in interpersonal relationships where empathy is valued. It's common to hear this term in discussions about leadership styles, where a 冷酷 leader might be criticized for lacking compassion.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'cold' (冷) heart that is 'cruel' (酷) – a heart so frozen that it can't feel or show warmth. Visualize an icy statue, representing someone who is emotionally detached, embodying the meaning of 冷酷.
Meanings of 冷酷
lěngkù(leng3ku4)
1grim
2unfeeling
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 冷酷
冷酷Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6081Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 冷酷
Podcast: 冷酷
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AI Study Notes for 冷酷
Quick Contrast
冷淡 (lěngdàn) refers to a lack of warmth or enthusiasm, while 冷酷 (lěngkù) implies a harsher, more unfeeling demeanor.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'cold' (冷) heart that is 'cruel' (酷) – a heart so frozen that it can't feel or show warmth. Visualize an icy statue, representing someone who is emotionally detached, embodying the meaning of 冷酷.
Usage Notes
When using 冷酷, be cautious of the tone, as it often carries a negative connotation. It's typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or serious discussions, rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include 冷酷的现实 (the cruel reality) and 冷酷的决定 (a callous decision).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 冷酷 connects with other advanced vocabulary describing emotions and personality traits. Students should focus on understanding its nuances and practicing its use in complex sentences to convey deeper meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 冷酷 is often viewed negatively, especially in interpersonal relationships where empathy is valued. It's common to hear this term in discussions about leadership styles, where a 冷酷 leader might be criticized for lacking compassion.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 冷酷 with 冷淡 (lěngdàn), which means indifferent but is less severe. For instance, saying '她的态度很冷淡' (Her attitude is cold) instead of '她的态度很冷酷' (Her attitude is callous) can convey a different level of emotional distance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 冷酷
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Grammar Patterns of 冷酷
冷酷 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 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
她看我的眼神____无比。
She gave me the stoniest look I ever got.
Example Sentences for 冷酷 (5)
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1
她看我的眼神冷酷无比。
tā kàn wǒ de yǎn shén lěng kù wú bǐ。
She gave me the stoniest look I ever got.
2
他看着我，冷酷的眼神里闪过一丝嘲笑。
tā kàn zháo wǒ， ， lěng kù de yǎn shén lǐ shǎn guò yī sī cháo。
He looked at me, a flicker of amusement in his cold eyes.
lěng kù de rì cháng xiàn shí shǐ tā cóng lǐ xiǎng zhǔ yì de huàn mèng zhōng qīng xǐng guò lái.
The harshness of everyday reality disenchanted him of his idealistic hopes.
Cultural Notes for 冷酷
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 冷酷 is often viewed negatively, especially in interpersonal relationships where empathy is valued. It's common to hear this term in discussions about leadership styles, where a 冷酷 leader might be criticized for lacking compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions about 冷酷
Yes, it can also describe situations that are harsh or unforgiving, such as 冷酷的现实.
No, while it primarily describes people, it can also characterize decisions, policies, or environments that lack warmth or empathy.
