old variant of 邪

JLPT N2

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character "" primarily denotes something evil, wicked, or sinister. It is often used to describe bad spirits, immoral behavior, or negative energy. In everyday conversation, it can describe a person’s character or an atmosphere that feels unsettling or malevolent.

Common Collocations

  • 邪恶 (xié'è): evil, wicked
  • (xié líng): evil spirit
  • (dàiyǒu xiéqì): to have a sinister vibe

Usage Notes

"" is a formal and somewhat literary character. It is not commonly used alone in casual speech but appears frequently in compound words. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often associated with supernatural or moral evil. Avoid confusing it with "" (xié), which means "slanting" or "oblique".

Register and Tone

The word is neutral to formal in tone and is often found in written language, news reports, or discussions about morality and spirituality. It is not typically used in light or humorous contexts.

Example Sentences

He is considered an evil person.

It is said that evil spirits haunt this ancient temple.

There is a sinister vibe in his words that makes people uncomfortable.