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 that is structurally identical to its simplified version, providing few visual clues to its original meaning, though its components are often analyzed as a roof over the mouth and an element resembling abundance, suggesting a disruption within the household. Its earliest attested meanings were concrete, relating to physical damage, injury, or calamity, and from this core idea its semantic field expanded significantly. It evolved to denote more abstract and verbal forms of harm, such as causing trouble, impairing, or killing, and further developed into meanings associated with evil or malevolence. This broadening allowed "害" to function commonly as a morpheme in compound words, where it consistently conveys a sense of detriment, as in words for danger, harm, or fear.
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。