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陷害 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
陷害xiànhàito entrapHSK 7, v, rank #3472, Hard
陷害xiànhàito set upHSK 7, v, rank #3472, Hard
陷害xiànhàito frame (up)HSK 7, v, rank #3472, Hard
陷害xiànhàito make false charges againstHSK 7, v, rank #3472, Hard
xiànhài(xian4hai4) T4
  1. 1to entrap
  2. 2to set up
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March 24, 2026
陷害xiànhài(xian4hai4)

陷害 (xiàn hài) means to entrap or frame someone, usually by deceitful means. This term is often used in legal or social contexts where one person is wrongfully accused or set up for a crime they did not commit. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying malicious intent.

Frequency#3472DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of being wrongfully accused or framed has historical significance, often reflected in literature and drama, where characters face betrayal and injustice. This relates to the importance of reputation and social harmony in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a trap (陷) set in a dark cave (害) where an unsuspecting traveler is caught. The 'xian' in '陷' sounds like 'sneaky,' reminding you of the deceit involved in framing someone. Picture the traveler being framed by shadows of deceitful figures, illustrating the essence of being entrapped.

Meanings of 陷害

xiànhài(xian4hai4)
1to entrap
2to set up
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 陷害

陷害Simplified
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3472Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 陷害

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Podcast: 陷害

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AI Study Notes for 陷害

Quick Contrast

陷害 (xiànhài) vs 诬陷 (wūxiàn): use 陷害 when emphasizing the act of entrapping or framing, while 诬陷 focuses more on the act of falsely accusing someone.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a trap (陷) set in a dark cave (害) where an unsuspecting traveler is caught. The 'xian' in '陷' sounds like 'sneaky,' reminding you of the deceit involved in framing someone. Picture the traveler being framed by shadows of deceitful figures, illustrating the essence of being entrapped.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when using 陷害, as it can imply serious accusations. It is often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions, and less commonly in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '陷害他人' (to frame others) and '被陷害' (to be framed).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 陷害 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to law and ethics. Focus on its use in compound phrases and legal terminology to enhance understanding and usage in formal discussions.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of being wrongfully accused or framed has historical significance, often reflected in literature and drama, where characters face betrayal and injustice. This relates to the importance of reputation and social harmony in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 陷害 with other similar words like 误解 (misunderstanding) or 诬陷 (to falsely accuse). For example, saying '我被误解了' (I was framed) incorrectly uses a term that lacks the malicious intent inherent in 陷害. Instead, use '我被陷害了' for clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 陷害

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Component Characters

xiànpitfall
HSK 710 strokes
View full entry
hàito do harm to
HSK 610 strokes
View full entry

Write 陷害

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

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Grammar Patterns of 陷害

陷害 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 4 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 1

Complete the Sentence

4人全都声称警察捏造证据____他们。

All four claim that officers fabricated evidence against them.

Example Sentences for 陷害 (1)

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1
4人全都声称警察捏造证据陷害他们。

4 4 rén quán dū shēng chēng jǐng chá niē zào zhèng jù xiàn hài tā。

All four claim that officers fabricated evidence against them.

Cultural Notes for 陷害

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of being wrongfully accused or framed has historical significance, often reflected in literature and drama, where characters face betrayal and injustice. This relates to the importance of reputation and social harmony in Chinese society.

Frequently Asked Questions about 陷害

陷害 specifically refers to maliciously framing someone, while 误解 refers to simply misunderstanding someone else's intentions without malicious intent.