In Chinese culture, `邪恶` is a concept deeply rooted in philosophical and narrative traditions. While Western culture often frames “evil” in a theological context (e.g., Satan, Original Sin), the Chinese concept is often more secular or tied to cosmic balance. In Confucianism, `邪恶` is the antithesis of virtues like `仁 (rén, benevolence)` and `义 (yì, righteousness)`. An evil person is one who fundamentally lacks these qualities and acts with extreme selfishness, cruelty, and disregard for social harmony. In Daoism, `邪恶` can be seen as a profound imbalance of Yin and Yang, a force that disrupts the natural flow and harmony of the Dao (the Way). It's less about a cosmic war and more about a deviation from the natural order. This contrasts with the often-personified “Evil” in the West. For example, while you might hear about “the problem of evil” in Western philosophy as a theological puzzle (If God is good, why does evil exist?), in a Chinese context, the focus is often on how to identify `邪恶` behavior and restore social or cosmic harmony. It's frequently seen in Wuxia (武侠) novels and films, where the heroes fight against `邪恶` sects or corrupt officials to uphold `正义 (zhèngyì, justice)`.
`邪恶` is a formal and strong word. Its use is generally reserved for serious situations.