歹

dǎi

一 + 夕

Definitions

dǎi (adjective) evil; wicked; bad

Etymology

Variant of 歺. Pictograph of a wooden post or digging tool with a cracked bottom. Similar to 才 and 弋. The meaning later shifted to "bad" and "evil".

About

The character 歹 is an ideogram originating from depictions of fragmented bones or skeletal remains, linking it to themes of death, decay, and destruction. As an independent word, it functions as an adjective meaning bad, wicked, or evil, often describing harmful intentions or criminal behavior. Beyond its standalone use, 歹 is a common semantic radical, imparting notions of death, disaster, or severe deterioration to many compound characters.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

歹徒被警察抓了。

Dǎitú bèi jǐngchá zhuā le.

The bandit was caught by the police.

他对她没有歹意。

Tā duì tā méiyǒu dǎiyì.

He has no malicious intent towards her.

你好歹试一试吧。

Nǐ hǎodǎi shì yī shì ba.

You should at least give it a try.

这个人非常歹毒。

Zhège rén fēicháng dǎidú.

This person is very vicious.

那个歹徒终于被制服了。

Nàge dǎitú zhōngyú bèi zhìfú le.

That bandit was finally subdued.

他的歹念让人害怕。

Tā de dǎiniàn ràng rén hàipà.

His evil thoughts make people afraid.

虽然他有歹意，但没行动。

Suīrán tā yǒu dǎiyì, dàn méi xíngdòng.

Although he had malicious intent, he didn't take action.

你好歹听一下我的解释再说。

Nǐ hǎodǎi tīng yīxià wǒ de jiěshì zài shuō.

You should at least listen to my explanation before speaking.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 一

Component: 夕

歹