Definitions
(adjective)
fierce; vicious
(adjective)
ominous; inauspicious
(noun)
disaster; calamity
Etymology
Pictograph of a trap in the ground.
About
The character "凶" originates from a pictographic representation of a pit or trap, depicted by the component "凵", with an "×" inside it symbolizing something fallen in or obstructed, thus conveying its core meaning of peril or ill-fortune. Its fundamental sense of ominousness and inauspiciousness, such as a bad harvest or general misfortune, derives from this imagery of a hazardous physical obstruction. Over time, this meaning extended to encompass violent or ferocious behavior, as in凶狠. The traditional counterpart "兇" incorporates the component "儿" (a person) beneath the "×", making explicit the character's application to human malevolence and fierce demeanor, though both forms share the same core meanings of viciousness and calamity.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这只老虎非常凶猛。
凶手已经被警察抓住了。
他的样子很凶恶。
山路十分凶险，要小心。
警方找到了凶器。
这被认为是一个凶兆。
吉凶难料，我们只能做好准备。
尽管环境凶险，他们还是完成了任务。