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March 24, 2026
毁灭(毀滅)huǐmiè(hui3mie4)
毁灭 (huǐmiè) refers to the act of completely destroying or causing something to cease to exist. It is commonly used in contexts concerning disasters, wars, and significant loss, conveying a sense of total annihilation rather than mere damage.
Frequency#2553DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 毁灭 is often tied to discussions about environmental destruction and the consequences of war, reflecting a deep concern for nature and humanity's survival.
Memory Tip
Imagine a huge meteor (the character 毁) crashing down and causing a massive explosion (灭) that wipes out everything in its path. The visual of destruction helps you remember that 毁灭 means 'to destroy' or 'to perish'.
Meanings of 毁灭
huǐmiè(hui3mie4)
1to perish
2to ruin
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 毁灭
毁灭Simplified
毀滅Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2553Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 毁灭
Podcast: 毁灭
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AI Study Notes for 毁灭
Quick Contrast
毁坏 (huǐhuài) refers to causing damage or destruction but does not imply total annihilation like 毁灭 (huǐmiè) does.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a huge meteor (the character 毁) crashing down and causing a massive explosion (灭) that wipes out everything in its path. The visual of destruction helps you remember that 毁灭 means 'to destroy' or 'to perish'.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in serious contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Be cautious with its tone, as it can sound overly dramatic if misused. Common collocations include 毁灭人类 (huǐmiè rénlèi - to destroy humanity) and 毁灭战争 (huǐmiè zhànzhēng - to end a war).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 毁灭 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to destruction and disaster, such as 灭绝 (mièjué - to become extinct) and 破坏 (pòhuài - to damage). Focus on its usage in literary and formal contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 毁灭 is often tied to discussions about environmental destruction and the consequences of war, reflecting a deep concern for nature and humanity's survival.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 毁灭 with 破坏 (pòhuài), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这场战争破坏了城市' (This war destroyed the city) should use 毁灭 instead to emphasize total destruction: '这场战争毁灭了城市'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 毁灭
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Grammar Patterns of 毁灭
毁灭 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 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 3
Complete the Sentence
马力大的汽车到了缺乏经验的司机手中便成了____性的武器。
High-powered cars are lethal weapons in the hands of inexperienced drivers.
Example Sentences for 毁灭 (3)
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1
马力大的汽车到了缺乏经验的司机手中便成了毁灭性的武器。
mǎ lì dà de qì chē dào le quē fá jīng yàn de sī jī shǒu zhōng biàn chéng le huǐ miè xìng de wǔ qì。
High-powered cars are lethal weapons in the hands of inexperienced drivers.
2
他们拥有的弹头足以将世界毁灭好几次。
tā mén yōng yǒu de dàn tóu zú yǐ jiāng shì jiè huǐ miè hǎo jī cì。
Their warheads are enough to obliterate the world several times over.
Dioxin was the ingredient in Agent Orange, used to defoliate Vietnam.
Cultural Notes for 毁灭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 毁灭 is often tied to discussions about environmental destruction and the consequences of war, reflecting a deep concern for nature and humanity's survival.
Frequently Asked Questions about 毁灭
It's generally too strong for casual conversation; it's better suited for serious topics.
No, it can also refer to the destruction of ideas, cultures, or relationships.
Focus on the intensity: 毁灭 implies total destruction, while others like 破坏 (pòhuài) suggest damage that may not be complete.
