Definitions
(verb)
to harm; to hurt; to damage
(noun)
harm; evil; disaster
Etymology
Pictograph of a pointed spearhead. The distinguishing mark 口 was added later. Based on the original meaning "spearhead", now written as 𥎆. The meaning later shifted to "harm" and "injure".
About
The character "害" has a traditional form identical to its simplified version, structurally composed of the components "宀", "口", and "丰". Its original meaning pertained to injury or damage, with one common etymological analysis suggesting the top component "宀" represents a house, and "口" below may indicate speech, positing an early sense of harmful words or conflict within the household. Over time, its meaning broadened from concrete physical harm to include abstract detriment and misfortune, and it also acquired a verbal sense meaning to injure, kill, or cause trouble. In modern usage, while retaining its core sense of harm as seen in words like "傷害" (to injure), it also functions grammatically in words expressing psychological states such as "害怕" (to fear), where it implies a negative effect.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我很害怕狗。
不要伤害别人。
吸烟有害健康。
农民消灭害虫。
过度饮酒会伤害身体。
污染环境害了下一代。
如果你不诚实，迟早会害了自己。
这种决策可能会害整个公司陷入危机。