Usage of 害 (hài)
The character 害 primarily means 'to harm' or 'to injure,' often used to describe physical or health damage, as in '吸烟会害你的健康' (Smoking will harm your health). It can also express causing trouble or annoyance to others, like in '他总是害别人' (He always harms others).
Besides its literal meaning, 害 is frequently used in everyday speech to express fear or worry, often in the phrase '害怕' (to be afraid). For example, '别害怕' means 'Don't be afraid.' This usage is more emotional and less about physical harm.
Common Collocations
- 害怕 (hàipà): to be afraid, fear — very common in daily conversation.
- 害人 (hàirén): to harm others — used when someone causes trouble or damage to others.
- 害处 (hàichu): harm, disadvantage — refers to negative effects or damage.
Notes
When using 害 to mean 'harm,' it often implies a negative impact that is avoidable or caused by someone's action. In contrast, 害怕 is a fixed expression meaning 'to fear' and is not about causing harm but feeling it.
Avoid confusing 害 with similar verbs like 伤 (shāng), which specifically means 'to injure' physically, while 害 can be broader, including emotional or indirect harm.
Usage of 害 (hài)
The character 害 primarily means 'to harm' or 'to injure,' often used to describe physical or health damage, as in '吸烟会害你的健康' (Smoking will harm your health). It can also express causing trouble or annoyance to others, like in '他总是害别人' (He always harms others).
Besides its literal meaning, 害 is frequently used in everyday speech to express fear or worry, often in the phrase '害怕' (to be afraid). For example, '别害怕' means 'Don't be afraid.' This usage is more emotional and less about physical harm.
Common Collocations
- 害怕 (hàipà): to be afraid, fear — very common in daily conversation.
- 害人 (hàirén): to harm others — used when someone causes trouble or damage to others.
- 害处 (hàichu): harm, disadvantage — refers to negative effects or damage.
Notes
When using 害 to mean 'harm,' it often implies a negative impact that is avoidable or caused by someone's action. In contrast, 害怕 is a fixed expression meaning 'to fear' and is not about causing harm but feeling it.
Avoid confusing 害 with similar verbs like 伤 (shāng), which specifically means 'to injure' physically, while 害 can be broader, including emotional or indirect harm.
Usage of 害 (hài)
The character 害 primarily means 'to harm' or 'to injure,' often used to describe physical or health damage, as in '吸烟会害你的健康' (Smoking will harm your health). It can also express causing trouble or annoyance to others, like in '他总是害别人' (He always harms others).
Besides its literal meaning, 害 is frequently used in everyday speech to express fear or worry, often in the phrase '害怕' (to be afraid). For example, '别害怕' means 'Don't be afraid.' This usage is more emotional and less about physical harm.
Common Collocations
- 害怕 (hàipà): to be afraid, fear — very common in daily conversation.
- 害人 (hàirén): to harm others — used when someone causes trouble or damage to others.
- 害处 (hàichu): harm, disadvantage — refers to negative effects or damage.
Notes
When using 害 to mean 'harm,' it often implies a negative impact that is avoidable or caused by someone's action. In contrast, 害怕 is a fixed expression meaning 'to fear' and is not about causing harm but feeling it.
Avoid confusing 害 with similar verbs like 伤 (shāng), which specifically means 'to injure' physically, while 害 can be broader, including emotional or indirect harm.