About
The character 狠 is a phono-semantic compound, with the left-side radical 犭 (animal) originally depicting a dog and categorizing characters related to beasts or wild traits. The right-side component 艮 provides the sound. The combination initially indicated a fierce or savage nature associated with untamed animals, specifically describing vicious dogs. Over time, the meaning broadened beyond literal animals to describe human behaviors and attitudes, denoting ruthlessness, cruelty, a hardened heart, or a resolute, unyielding disposition. It also functions as an adverb to intensify actions to a severe degree.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他狠心拒绝了帮助。
老板对他很凶狠。
敌人发动了狠毒的攻击。
他狠命地跑向终点。
这场竞争非常狠辣。
狠心之下，他放弃了梦想。
面对狠毒的批评，他保持了沉默。
在商战中，狠辣的手段有时是必要的。