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March 24, 2026
恐怖kǒngbù(kong3bu4)
The term 恐怖 (kǒngbù) refers to something that is terrifying or frightening, often associated with fear and horror. It can describe a range of contexts, from the emotional response to a scary movie to discussions about terrorism or horrific events. Its usage is typically negative, conveying a sense of dread or alarm.
Frequency#1004DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 恐怖 is often associated with traditional ghost stories and horror films, reflecting a societal fascination with fear and the supernatural. This connection can be seen during festivals like the Qingming Festival, when stories of spirits and ghosts are shared.
Memory Tip
Think of 恐 (kǒng) as a depiction of the 'fearful heart' (心) being shaken, while 怖 (bù) resembles a person shivering in fear. Envision a scary movie scene that makes your heart race, helping you remember that 恐怖 evokes strong feelings of terror.
Meanings of 恐怖
kǒngbù(kong3bu4)
1terrible
2frightful
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 恐怖
恐怖Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1004Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 恐怖
Podcast: 恐怖
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AI Study Notes for 恐怖
Quick Contrast
恐惧 (kǒngjù) refers more specifically to the feeling of fear or dread, while 恐怖 (kǒngbù) emphasizes the terrifying nature of something.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 恐 (kǒng) as a depiction of the 'fearful heart' (心) being shaken, while 怖 (bù) resembles a person shivering in fear. Envision a scary movie scene that makes your heart race, helping you remember that 恐怖 evokes strong feelings of terror.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 恐怖 with other fear-related terms, so it's essential to use it specifically for extreme fear or horror. This word is more suitable for formal contexts, such as news reports or literature, rather than casual conversations. Be careful with tone: the third tone (kǒng) and fourth tone (bù) must be pronounced correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 恐怖 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to emotions and descriptions of intensity. Students should focus on using it in complex sentences and in conjunction with other descriptive adjectives to enhance their fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 恐怖 is often associated with traditional ghost stories and horror films, reflecting a societal fascination with fear and the supernatural. This connection can be seen during festivals like the Qingming Festival, when stories of spirits and ghosts are shared.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 恐怖 in a light-hearted context, saying something like '这个玩笑很恐怖' (This joke is very scary), which is inappropriate. Instead, use '这个玩笑很搞笑' (This joke is very funny) for humor.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 恐怖
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Grammar Patterns of 恐怖
恐怖 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 5 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
他经历的____事件在他脑海中刻下了深深的，或许是难以磨灭的印记。
The horrors he experienced are imprinted, perhaps indelibly, in his brain.
Example Sentences for 恐怖 (10)
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1
他经历的恐怖事件在他脑海中刻下了深深的，或许是难以磨灭的印记。
tā jīng lì de kǒng bù shì jiàn zài tā nǎo hǎi zhōng kè xià le shēn shēn de， ， huò xǔ shì nán yǐ mó miè de yìn。
The horrors he experienced are imprinted, perhaps indelibly, in his brain.
2
人们还在给他们的孩子们讲那些恐怖女警察吓唬人的弱智故事吗？
rén mén huán zài gěi tā mén de hái zǐ mén jiǎng nà xiē kǒng bù nǚ jǐng chá xià hǔ rén de ruò zhì gù shì ma？
Did people still tell their kids imbecilic scare stories about bogey policewomen?
kùn nǎo zháo zhè hái zǐ de gǎn qíng nǎi shì yī zhǒng xū wú piǎo miǎo de kǒng bù.
The feeling which beset the child was one of dim uncertain horror.
9
有幽闭恐怖症的人极度恐惧困在电梯里.
yǒu yōu bì kǒng bù zhèng de rén jí dù kǒng jù kùn zài diàn tī lǐ.
People with claustrophobia have a horror of being trapped in the lift.
10
他的报告猛烈抨击了忠英派和共和军的恐怖组织。
tā de bào gào měng liè pēng jī le zhōng yīng pài hé gòng hé jūn de kǒng bù zǔ zhī。
His report was scathing about Loyalist and Republican terror groups.
Cultural Notes for 恐怖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 恐怖 is often associated with traditional ghost stories and horror films, reflecting a societal fascination with fear and the supernatural. This connection can be seen during festivals like the Qingming Festival, when stories of spirits and ghosts are shared.
Frequently Asked Questions about 恐怖
No, 恐怖 is reserved for intense fear or horror; for mild scares, you might use phrases like '有点吓人' (yǒudiǎn xiàrén).
No, it can also refer to real-life situations like terrorism or natural disasters that evoke fear.
For example, you can say '这部电影真的很恐怖' (zhè bù diànyǐng zhēn de hěn kǒngbù), meaning 'This movie is really terrifying.'
