狠
hěn
#1,652 most
frequent character
ruthless, relentless, firm, resolute
adjective
Character breakdown
Source: Make Me a Hanzi.
狠 pairs 犭 dog with 艮 gèn, which supplies the sound. The first meaning was the noise of dogs barking or growling. It then grew to mean relentless and determined, and later ruthless or ferocious.
Ask DeepSeek
Example Sentences
他对这件事情很狠。
tā duì zhè jiàn shìqíng hěnhěn 。
He is very ruthless about this matter.
她下定决心要狠心去做这件事。
tā xià dìng juéxīn yào hěnxīn qù zuò zhè jiàn shì 。
She is determined to resolutely do this.
他对待敌人非常狠。
tā duìdài dírén fēicháng hěn 。
He is very relentless towards his enemies.
Words with similar meanings
残忍cánrěn
cruel
This word emphasizes the enjoyment or indifference to suffering, making it more intense than '狠'.
坚定jiāndìng
firm
This word focuses on the strength of conviction, highlighting determination rather than harshness.
果断guǒduàn
decisive
This term conveys a sense of making quick, effective decisions, rather than a harsh emotional disposition.
Homophones
Words Starting With 狠
Your word lists
Sign in to add this word to your private lists.