Table of Contents

zēnghèn: 憎恨 - Hate, Loathe, Detest

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Putting these two powerful “heart”-related characters together creates a compound word, 憎恨 (zēnghèn), that emphasizes the depth and intensity of the emotion. It's a “double-dose” of hatred.

Cultural Context and Significance

In a culture that often values social harmony (和谐, héxié), openly expressing 憎恨 (zēnghèn) is a very significant act. It's a disruption of peace and is reserved for situations of profound moral gravity. A key difference from Western culture is how the word “hate” is used. In English, it's common to use “hate” hyperbolically: “Ugh, I hate traffic!” or “I hate Mondays.” This is never done with `憎恨`. Using `憎恨` in such a casual context would sound absurdly dramatic and even alarming to a native speaker. `憎恨` is the language of historical grievances (e.g., hatred of invaders), profound literary tragedies (e.g., a family feud), or strong moral condemnations (e.g., hatred of corruption). It signifies a breaking point where politeness and harmony are no longer possible due to a severe transgression.

Practical Usage in Modern China

Due to its intensity, `憎恨` is used more in formal, literary, or dramatic contexts than in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes