怂 (sǒng) - To instigate, incite & frightened, terrified

怂Tone 3

sǒng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 心

树檀

怂 · sǒng

To instigate, incite;

frightened, terrified;

timid, cowardly.

To instigate, incitefrightened, terrifiedtimid, cowardly.

Usage highlights

InstigateTimid personCowardlyScared stiffDon't be cowardlyInstigate to do bad things

Synonyms

  • 恿— instigate, incite
  • 怯— timid, cowardly
  • 懦— cowardly, weak

Antonyms

  • 勇— brave, courageous
  • 敢— daring, bold

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Don't instigate others to fight (怂恿别人打架).
  • He felt terrified when walking alone at night (他晚上一个人走路很怂).
  • Don't be so timid, speak up (别这么怂，说出来).

Collocations

  • Instigate(怂恿)
  • Timid person(怂人)
  • Cowardly(怂包)
  • Scared stiff(吓怂)
  • Don't be cowardly(别怂)
  • Instigate to do bad things(怂恿做坏事)

Idioms

  • instigating and egging on(Yongyong怂恿)
  • instigating and inciting(怂恿煽动)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'frightened' or 'terrified' in classical Chinese.
  • In modern colloquial usage, often means 'cowardly' or 'timid'.
  • Also retains the classical meaning of 'instigating' or 'inciting' in formal contexts.

FAQ