Definitions

hàn heroic; intrepid; valiant; dauntless; fierce; ferocious; violent
hàn variant of 悍[hàn]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 悍, which also exists in an identical traditional form, is composed of the heart/mind radical (忄) on the left and the phonetic component 旱 (hàn, meaning "drought") on the right. Its structure conceptually links a state of mind to qualities of dryness or harshness. Historically, its core meaning pertained to a bold, fierce, or aggressive temperament, often describing a person's imposing and unyielding nature. Over time, this meaning extended beyond human temperament to describe actions, forces, or animals characterized by ferocity, bravery, or violence, as seen in terms like 兇悍 (fierce and brutal) or 悍將 (a valiant general). The character's semantic field consistently revolves around intensity and forceful lack of restraint.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的性格非常强

Tā de xìnggé fēicháng qiánghàn.

His personality is very tough and strong.

那条看门狗十分凶

Nà tiáo kānméngǒu shífēn xiōnghàn.

That guard dog is extremely fierce.

她以强的作风领导团队。

Tā yǐ qiánghàn de zuòfēng lǐngdǎo tuánduì.

She leads the team with a tough and vigorous style.

敌军发动了一次然入侵。

Díjūn fādòngle yī cì hànrán rùqīn.

The enemy forces launched a brazen invasion.

历史上这位将军以勇闻名。

Lìshǐ shàng zhè wèi jiāngjūn yǐ hàn yǒng wénmíng.

In history, this general was famous for his fierce courage.

匪徒的凶令居民们恐惧。

Fěitú de xiōnghàn lìng jūmínmen kǒngjù.

The ferocity of the bandits terrified the residents.

政府然不顾民众的强烈反对。

Zhèngfǔ hànrán bùgù mínzhòng de qiángliè fǎnduì.

The government flagrantly disregarded the people's strong opposition.

新闻报道了那股匪的最终覆灭。

Xīnwén bàodàole nà gǔ hànfěi de zuìzhōng fùmiè.

The news reported the ultimate downfall of that gang of fierce bandits.