殲 (jiān) - To annihilate, exterminate, wipe out, destroy completely (typically

殲Tone 1

jiān ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

嘉健

殲 · jiān

To annihilate, exterminate, wipe out, destroy completely (typically used in military or violent contexts).

To annihilate, exterminate, wipe out, destroy completely (typically

Usage highlights

Annihilate the enemyWipe outCompletely destroyAnnihilation battleEncirclement and annihilationWipe out in one fell swoop

Synonyms

  • 灭— to destroy, extinguish
  • 毁— to ruin, destroy
  • 除— to eliminate, remove

Antonyms

  • 生— to give birth, life
  • 救— to save, rescue
  • 保— to protect, preserve

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The army annihilated the enemy forces (歼灭敌军).
  • We must wipe out all pests (要歼灭所有害虫).
  • The battle resulted in the complete destruction of the battalion (这场战斗歼灭了整个营).
  • The police operation aimed to eliminate the criminal gang (警方行动旨在歼灭犯罪团伙).

Collocations

  • Annihilate the enemy(歼灭敌人)
  • Wipe out(歼灭战)
  • Completely destroy(彻底歼灭)
  • Annihilation battle(围歼战)
  • Encirclement and annihilation(围歼)
  • Wipe out in one fell swoop(一举歼灭)

Idioms

  • To wipe out the enemy to the last man(歼敌务尽)
  • Encirclement and annihilation tactics(围追堵截，聚而歼之)
  • Destroy completely, leave none behind(聚而歼之，片甲不留)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Primarily used in military contexts, reflecting the concept of total victory in traditional Chinese warfare philosophy.
  • Carries strong connotations of finality and completeness in destruction, often used in historical accounts of battles.
  • In modern usage, appears in military terminology and historical narratives rather than everyday conversation.

FAQ