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March 24, 2026
野蛮(野蠻)yěmán(ye3man2)
The term '野蛮' (yěmán) refers to something that is barbarous or uncivilized, often used to describe behaviors, practices, or societies that are perceived as lacking refinement or cultural sophistication. It can apply to both people and actions and is often used in a critical context to highlight a lack of manners or civility.
Frequency#4648DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
'野蛮' can be linked to historical discussions in China about civilization versus barbarism, particularly regarding cultural exchanges with neighboring regions. In ancient texts, it often described non-Han groups, reflecting a historical perspective on cultural superiority.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wild beast ('野' means wild) rampaging through a civilized town, behaving in a '蛮' (which sounds like 'man') manner, causing chaos. Picture this beast as a metaphor for barbarism, helping you remember that '野蛮' describes uncivilized behavior.
Meanings of 野蛮
yěmán(ye3man2)
1barbarous
2uncivilized
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About 野蛮
野蛮Simplified
野蠻Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4648Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 野蛮
Podcast: 野蛮
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AI Study Notes for 野蛮
Quick Contrast
粗野 (cūyě) - use '野蛮' for a stronger implication of barbarism or a more severe lack of civilization than '粗野', which suggests rudeness or crudeness.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wild beast ('野' means wild) rampaging through a civilized town, behaving in a '蛮' (which sounds like 'man') manner, causing chaos. Picture this beast as a metaphor for barbarism, helping you remember that '野蛮' describes uncivilized behavior.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the contexts in which you use '野蛮'; it can be quite strong and may offend if used to describe someone's behavior directly. Common collocations include '野蛮行为' (barbarous behavior) and '野蛮人' (barbarians). In informal settings, it might be used more lightly among friends, but in formal writing, it carries a heavier weight.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '野蛮' connects to other advanced vocabulary discussing cultural and social issues. Students should focus on its usage in contexts of critique, as well as its antonyms, such as '文明' (civilized), to understand the full spectrum of its meaning.
Cultural Note
'野蛮' can be linked to historical discussions in China about civilization versus barbarism, particularly regarding cultural exchanges with neighboring regions. In ancient texts, it often described non-Han groups, reflecting a historical perspective on cultural superiority.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '野蛮' with '野生' (wild). Remember that '野生' refers to wild animals or plants in their natural state, while '野蛮' describes uncivilized behavior or people. An incorrect sentence might be '这个动物是野蛮的' (This animal is barbarous), which should instead be '这个动物是野生的' (This animal is wild).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 野蛮
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Grammar Patterns of 野蛮
野蛮 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
詹森是个危险人物，可能会变得非常____而凶残。
Jensen is a dangerous man, and can be very brutal and reckless.
Example Sentences for 野蛮 (6)
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1
詹森是个危险人物，可能会变得非常野蛮而凶残。
zhān sēn shì gè wēi xiǎn rén wù， ， kě néng huì biàn dé fēi cháng yě mán ér xiōng。
Jensen is a dangerous man, and can be very brutal and reckless.
2
那人野蛮粗俗。
nà rén yě mán cū sú。
The man was brutish and coarse.
3
男人给她的感受是支配一切，野蛮残暴。
nán rén gěi tā de gǎn shòu shì zhī pèi yī qiē， ， yě mán cán。
Her experience of men was of domination and brutality.
4
他们那帮孩子野蛮得很，还认为我们太女孩子气。
tā mén nà bāng hái zǐ yě mán dé hěn， ， huán rèn wéi wǒ mén tài nǚ hái zǐ。
They were rough kids, and thought we were sissies.
Mares are surprisingly tolerant of the roughness and rudeness of their own offspring.
Cultural Notes for 野蛮
🏮Cultural insight
'野蛮' can be linked to historical discussions in China about civilization versus barbarism, particularly regarding cultural exchanges with neighboring regions. In ancient texts, it often described non-Han groups, reflecting a historical perspective on cultural superiority.
Frequently Asked Questions about 野蛮
No, '野蛮' is typically negative, indicating a lack of culture or civility.
Yes, '粗鲁' (rude) focuses more on manners, while '野蛮' encompasses a broader idea of uncivilized behavior.
You can say '他的行为非常野蛮' (His behavior is very barbarous).
