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March 24, 2026
恐吓(恐嚇)kǒnghè(kong3he4)
The verb 恐吓 (kǒnghè) means 'to threaten' or 'to menace,' often used in contexts involving intimidation or coercion. It can refer to both verbal threats and implied dangers, commonly in legal or interpersonal situations.
Frequency#4801DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, threats can often have serious social implications, especially in contexts involving family honor or business dealings. The concept of 恐吓 is taken seriously and can lead to legal consequences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fearful (恐) face that is being threatened (吓) by a looming shadow. The character 恐 combines the radical for fear with 吓, which sounds like 'hack' — envision someone hacking at your peace of mind with menacing words.
Meanings of 恐吓
kǒnghè(kong3he4)
1to threaten
2to menace
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 恐吓
恐吓Simplified
恐嚇Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4801Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 恐吓
Podcast: 恐吓
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AI Study Notes for 恐吓
Quick Contrast
威胁 (wēixié) - use 恐吓 when referring to threats that involve intimidation, while 威胁 is broader and can include any form of threat without the same connotation of intimidation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fearful (恐) face that is being threatened (吓) by a looming shadow. The character 恐 combines the radical for fear with 吓, which sounds like 'hack' — envision someone hacking at your peace of mind with menacing words.
Usage Notes
This term can carry a strong negative connotation, so it is best used in serious contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar words like 威胁 (wēixié), which means 'to threaten' but lacks the same intensity. Remember that 恐吓 is more formal and should not be used casually.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 恐吓 connects to themes of conflict and interpersonal relationships, which are common in advanced vocabulary. Students should focus on practicing the word in legal contexts or discussions about safety and security.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, threats can often have serious social implications, especially in contexts involving family honor or business dealings. The concept of 恐吓 is taken seriously and can lead to legal consequences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 恐吓 with 威胁, thinking they are interchangeable; however, 恐吓 implies a more intense form of intimidation. For example, saying '他的威胁让我害怕' (His threat made me scared) would be incorrect if the context implies severe intimidation; use 恐吓 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 恐吓
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Grammar Patterns of 恐吓
恐吓 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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
____或者干掉詹姆斯·辛克莱对谁会有好处？
Whom would it profit to terrify or to kill James Sinclair?
Whom would it profit to terrify or to kill James Sinclair?
2
警方本可指控他们恐吓。
jǐng fāng běn kě zhǐ kòng tā mén kǒng xià。
The police could have charged them with threatening behaviour.
3
暴徒恐吓受害者说如果他不把所有的钱都交出来,就捅死他.
bào tú kǒng xià shòu hài zhě shuō rú guǒ tā bù bǎ suǒ yǒu de qián dū jiāo chū lái, , jiù tǒng sǐ.
The ruffian threatened to run his victim through if he did not hand over all his money.
4
武装暴徒抢掠食物、恐吓群众，该镇居民深受其苦。
wǔ zhuāng bào tú qiāng lüè shí wù、 、 kǒng xià qún， zhòng ， gāi zhèn jū mín shēn shòu。
The town has been plagued by armed thugs who have looted food supplies and terrorized the population.
Cultural Notes for 恐吓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, threats can often have serious social implications, especially in contexts involving family honor or business dealings. The concept of 恐吓 is taken seriously and can lead to legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions about 恐吓
No, it's more common in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or when discussing serious interpersonal conflicts.
Generally, no. The word carries a serious tone and is not suitable for jokes or light-hearted contexts.
Synonyms include 威胁 (wēixié), which also means 'to threaten', but with a slightly different nuance.
