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March 24, 2026
消灭(消滅)xiāomiè(xiao1mie4)
消灭 (xiāo miè) means to completely eliminate or destroy something, often implying a total annihilation. It is commonly used in contexts such as military operations, environmental issues, or even in a metaphorical sense to describe the eradication of negative aspects like poverty or ignorance.
Frequency#3236DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 消灭 is not only used in military contexts but also in discussions about social issues, reflecting a strong emphasis on collective responsibility and the need to eradicate societal problems like corruption or pollution.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce warrior named 'Xiao' who is on a mission to 'melt' away all obstacles in his path. The character 消 (xiāo) looks like a melting figure, while 灭 (miè) resembles a fiery end, symbolizing annihilation. Together, they depict the act of completely removing something from existence.
Meanings of 消灭
xiāomiè(xiao1mie4)
1to put an end to
2to annihilate
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About 消灭
消灭Simplified
消滅Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3236Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 消灭
Podcast: 消灭
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AI Study Notes for 消灭
Quick Contrast
消除 (xiāochú) vs 消灭 (xiāomiè): use 消除 for removal or alleviation without total destruction, while 消灭 implies complete annihilation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fierce warrior named 'Xiao' who is on a mission to 'melt' away all obstacles in his path. The character 消 (xiāo) looks like a melting figure, while 灭 (miè) resembles a fiery end, symbolizing annihilation. Together, they depict the act of completely removing something from existence.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 消灭 in contexts where total destruction is intended, as it may sound too harsh in more sensitive situations. It is generally more formal and may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 消灭敌人 (annihilate the enemy) and 消灭病毒 (eliminate the virus).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 消灭 connects to other verbs of destruction or removal, such as 破坏 (pò huài) and 消失 (xiāo shī). Focus on the nuances of context where complete elimination is required versus other forms of reduction or disappearance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 消灭 is not only used in military contexts but also in discussions about social issues, reflecting a strong emphasis on collective responsibility and the need to eradicate societal problems like corruption or pollution.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 消灭 with 结束, using it incorrectly in situations where annihilation is not intended. For example, saying '我要消灭这个会议' (I want to annihilate this meeting) is incorrect; a better choice would be '我要结束这个会议' (I want to end this meeting).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 消灭
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Grammar Patterns of 消灭
消灭 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 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 3
Complete the Sentence
广播电台声称已经____了87,000名“反动分子”。
The radio station claimed that 87,000 "reactionaries" had been eliminated.
Perhaps in the sea he could get back his control - lose this fever!
Cultural Notes for 消灭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 消灭 is not only used in military contexts but also in discussions about social issues, reflecting a strong emphasis on collective responsibility and the need to eradicate societal problems like corruption or pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions about 消灭
消灭 implies a complete and total elimination, while 结束 means to bring something to an end but not necessarily destroy it.
It's generally more formal and might not be appropriate for casual settings; consider using simpler terms instead.
Yes, it typically refers to the removal of undesirable things, like problems or threats.
