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折磨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
折磨zhémóto persecuteHSK 7, v, rank #1781, Hard
折磨zhémóto tormentHSK 7, v, rank #1781, Hard
zhémó(zhe2mo2) T2
  1. 1to persecute
  2. 2to torment
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March 24, 2026
折磨zhémó(zhe2mo2)

The verb 折磨 (zhémó) means to persecute or torment someone, typically causing them emotional or physical suffering. It is often used in contexts where someone is subjected to prolonged distress or hardship, such as in relationships or difficult situations.

Frequency#1781DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese literature, themes of suffering and torment often reflect moral lessons or the consequences of one's actions, illustrating the importance of empathy and responsibility in human relationships.

Memory Tip

Think of 折 (zhé) meaning 'to break' and 磨 (mó) as 'grind' – together, they paint a picture of breaking someone down by grinding away at their spirit. Visualize a person being metaphorically ground down by relentless pressure, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 折磨

zhémó(zhe2mo2)
1to persecute
2to torment
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About 折磨

折磨Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1781Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 折磨

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Podcast: 折磨

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AI Study Notes for 折磨

Quick Contrast

折磨 (zhémó) vs 苦恼 (kǔnǎo) — use 折磨 for active tormenting actions, while 苦恼 refers to passive suffering or distress.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 折 (zhé) meaning 'to break' and 磨 (mó) as 'grind' – together, they paint a picture of breaking someone down by grinding away at their spirit. Visualize a person being metaphorically ground down by relentless pressure, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be cautious about the context in which you use 折磨, as it carries a strong negative connotation. It is more appropriate in serious discussions rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 折磨人的心 (torment a person's heart) or 折磨自己 (torment oneself).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 折磨 is useful for discussing themes of emotional and psychological experiences. Students should focus on understanding its nuances in various contexts and practice using it in sentences that reflect serious situations.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese literature, themes of suffering and torment often reflect moral lessons or the consequences of one's actions, illustrating the importance of empathy and responsibility in human relationships.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 折磨 with less severe terms like 烦恼 (fánnǎo), which means 'to worry.' For example, saying '我被烦恼折磨' (I am tormented by worries) can be misleading; it's better to use '我在烦恼中' (I am in worry).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 折磨

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Component Characters

折shéto break (e.g. stick or bone)
HSK 67 strokes扌
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磨móto rub
HSK 716 strokes石
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Write 折磨

折
磨

Practice writing 折磨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 折磨

折磨 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

想想人质曾遭受的____，获救后其身体状况已经是出奇地好了。

The former hostage is in remarkably good shape considering his ordeal.

Example Sentences for 折磨 (10)

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1
想想人质曾遭受的折磨，获救后其身体状况已经是出奇地好了。

xiǎng xiǎng rén zhì zēng zāo shòu de zhē mó， ， huò jiù hòu qí shēn tǐ zhuàng kuàng yǐ jīng shì chū qí dì hǎo。

The former hostage is in remarkably good shape considering his ordeal.
2
这是一种让人受尽折磨、痛苦难忍的杀人方法。

zhè shì yī zhǒng ràng rén shòu jìn zhē mó、 、 tòng kǔ nán rěn de shā rén fāng。

This is a torturous, agonizing way to kill someone.
3
被自恋症折磨的人会变得只专注于自己的事情，或者不断地自我炫耀。

bèi zì liàn zhèng zhē mó de rén huì biàn dé zhī zhuān zhù yú zì jǐ de shì qíng， ， huò zhě bù duàn dì zì wǒ xuàn。

Those who suffer from narcissism become self-absorbed or chronic show-offs.
4
他坐过几次牢，在牢里受到非人的折磨。

tā zuò guò jī cì láo， ， zài láo lǐ shòu dào fēi rén de zhē。

He has spent periods in prison, where he was gruesomely tortured.
5
在罗马的高温下，等待是一种折磨。

zài luó mǎ de gāo wēn xià， ， děng dài shì yī zhǒng zhē。

In the heat of Rome, the wait was agonizing.
6
溃疡已经折磨她好几年了。

kuì yáng yǐ jīng zhē mó tā hǎo jī nián le。

The ulcer had been troubling her for several years.
7
克莱尔曾经遭受厌食症3年的折磨。

kè lái ěr zēng jīng zāo shòu yàn shí zhèng3 3 nián de zhē。

Claire had been anorexic for three years.
8
他老是被一种叫人苦恼的不安情绪折磨着.

tā lǎo shì bèi yī zhǒng jiào rén kǔ nǎo de bù ān qíng xù zhē mó zháo.

He was afflicted always with a gnawing restlessness.
9
这种瘙痒简直快把我折磨疯了。

zhè zhǒng sào yǎng jiǎn zhí kuài bǎ wǒ zhē mó fēng le。

This itching is driving me mad.
10
那些饿鬼受饥 、 渴 、 寒 、 暑 、 疲和惧等六重苦厄所折磨.

nà xiē è guǐ shòu jī、 、、 kě、 、、 hán 、 shǔ 、 pí hé jù děng liù zhòng kǔ.

These ghosts from six afflictions ; hunger, thirst, heat, cold, exhaustion and fear.

Cultural Notes for 折磨

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese literature, themes of suffering and torment often reflect moral lessons or the consequences of one's actions, illustrating the importance of empathy and responsibility in human relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about 折磨

No, 折磨 is a serious word and should not be used humorously, as it refers to causing real suffering.