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March 24, 2026
荒谬(荒謬)huāngmiù(huang1miu4)
荒谬 (huāngmiù) describes something that is absurd or ridiculous, often to the point of being nonsensical. It is commonly used in contexts where actions, statements, or ideas are so far-fetched that they do not make logical sense, often evoking a sense of disbelief or mockery.
Frequency#2585DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 荒谬 can be linked to Chinese literature and theater, where absurdity is often used for comedic effect, highlighting the folly of human nature. It reflects a societal tendency to critique irrational behavior in both personal and political contexts.
Memory Tip
Think of 荒 as 'wild' or 'desolate' (the chaos of the wilderness) and 谬 as 'error' or 'mistake'. Imagine a wild animal making a ludicrous mistake, like trying to fly, to remember that 荒谬 means something is absurd or ridiculous.
Meanings of 荒谬
huāngmiù(huang1miu4)
1absurd
2ridiculous
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 荒谬
荒谬Simplified
荒謬Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2585Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 荒谬
Podcast: 荒谬
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AI Study Notes for 荒谬
Quick Contrast
荒唐 (huāngtáng) - use 荒谬 for something that is absurd and nonsensical, while 荒唐 may imply something is absurd but still somewhat believable.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 荒 as 'wild' or 'desolate' (the chaos of the wilderness) and 谬 as 'error' or 'mistake'. Imagine a wild animal making a ludicrous mistake, like trying to fly, to remember that 荒谬 means something is absurd or ridiculous.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in both formal and informal registers, typically to criticize illogical arguments or actions. A common mistake is using it in a context where 'strange' might be more appropriate; 荒谬 specifically implies a lack of reason rather than just oddness.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 word, 荒谬 connects with other advanced vocabulary that deals with logic and reasoning. Students should focus on using it in sentences that critique ideas, ensuring they grasp its connotation of absurdity rather than mere oddness.
Cultural Note
The concept of 荒谬 can be linked to Chinese literature and theater, where absurdity is often used for comedic effect, highlighting the folly of human nature. It reflects a societal tendency to critique irrational behavior in both personal and political contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 荒谬 with 奇怪 (strange). For example, saying '这个主意很荒谬' (This idea is very strange) is incorrect; it should be '这个主意很荒谬' (This idea is very absurd) to convey the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 荒谬
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Grammar Patterns of 荒谬
荒谬 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 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
那非常____。
That's absurd.
Example Sentences for 荒谬 (9)
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1
那非常荒谬。
nà fēi cháng huāng miù。
That's absurd.
2
婚姻不忠会提升领导人可信度的暗示荒谬之极。
hūn yīn bù zhōng huì tí shēng lǐng dǎo rén kě xìn dù de àn shì huāng miù zhī jí。
The implication that marital infidelity enhances a leader's credibility is preposterous.
3
荒谬的是，这样会使得购物者支付过多的钱让农民去种太多的粮食。
huāng miù de shì， ， zhè yàng huì shǐ dé gòu wù zhě zhī fù guò duō de qián ràng nóng mín qù zhǒng tài duō de liáng。
Absurdly, it makes shoppers overpay farmers to grow too much food.
4
表面上看，他们的婚姻似乎是个荒谬的结合。
biǎo miàn shàng kàn， ， tā mén de hūn yīn sì hū shì gè huāng miù de jié。
On the face of it, their marriage seems an improbable alliance.
Well, it's the old argument Max, which is a bit ridiculous if you don't mind me saying so.
8
这真荒谬，简直是可悲、可笑。
zhè zhēn huāng miù， ， jiǎn zhí shì kě、 bēi 、。
It's ridiculous, it's pathetic, it's a joke.
9
这使将我们自己的规定凌驾于该国收养法之上的做法显得十分荒谬。
zhè shǐ jiāng wǒ mén zì jǐ de guī dìng líng jià yú gāi guó shōu yǎng fǎ zhī shàng de zuò fǎ xiǎn dé shí fēn huāng miù。
It makes nonsense of our own rules governing laws of adoption in this country.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
That's absurd.
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Cultural Notes for 荒谬
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 荒谬 can be linked to Chinese literature and theater, where absurdity is often used for comedic effect, highlighting the folly of human nature. It reflects a societal tendency to critique irrational behavior in both personal and political contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 荒谬
Yes, you can describe a person's actions or beliefs as 荒谬 if they are absurd or illogical.
It is used in both contexts, but you may find it more frequently in formal writing or critiques.
An example sentence could be: '他的论点真是荒谬。' (His argument is truly absurd.)
