狰

猙
zhēng
争 + 犭

Definitions

zhēng used in 猙獰|狰狞[zhēng níng]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 争 represents the sound. Simplified form of 猙.

Semantic: 犭 Phonetic: 争

About

狰 (traditional form: "猙") is a phono-semantic compound character: its radical "犭" (the dog radical) indicates an association with wild beasts and monsters, while its phonetic component "争" (derived from "爭") provides the pronunciation. At the same time, the underlying meaning of "struggle" or "conflict" in "争" implicitly aligns with the character's original meaning of ferocity. This character describes a fierce and hideous appearance, particularly referring to the terrifying look of mythical creatures or ferocious beasts. It is predominantly found in the compound word "狰狞" (zhēngníng), which is used to depict a repulsive, frightening, and malevolent image.

Example Sentences Hide

那个面具看起来很狰狞。

Nàgè miànjù kàn qǐlái hěn zhēngníng.

That mask looks very ferocious.

野兽的面孔十分狰狞。

Yěshòu de miànkǒng shífēn zhēngníng.

The beast's face is extremely ferocious.

电影里的怪物造型很狰狞。

Diànyǐng lǐ de guàiwù zàoxíng hěn zhēngníng.

The monster's design in the movie is very hideous.

他看到了一幅狰狞的画像。

Tā kàndào le yī fú zhēngníng de huàxiàng.

He saw a ferocious painting.

在黑暗中，那张脸显得格外狰狞。

Zài hēi'àn zhōng, nà zhāng liǎn xiǎndé géwài zhēngníng.

In the darkness, that face appeared especially grim.

孩子被那狰狞的雕像吓哭了。

Háizi bèi nà zhēngníng de diāoxiàng xià kū le.

The child was scared to tears by that ferocious statue.

战争的狰狞面目令人恐惧。

Zhànzhēng de zhēngníng miànmù lìng rén kǒngjù.

The ferocious face of war is terrifying.

尽管他努力掩饰，但眼神中仍流露出一丝狰狞。

Jǐnguǎn tā nǔlì yǎnshì, dàn yǎnshén zhōng réng liúlù chū yīsī zhēngníng.

Although he tried to conceal it, a trace of ferocity still showed in his eyes.

Related Characters

Component: 争

静 净 挣 睁 铮 筝 诤 峥 婙 琤 諍 錚

Component: 犭

独 犯 狂 猛 犹 狗 狱 猜 狠 猫 猎 狼 猪 猩

Example Words

狰狞