毀 (huǐ) - To destroy & to ruin

毀Tone 3

huǐ ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

毀 · huǐ

To destroy;

to ruin;

to damage;

to defame;

to slander.

To destroyto ruinto damage

Usage highlights

DestroyDemolishSlanderDamageRuinDestroy reputation

Synonyms

  • 破坏— to damage; to destroy
  • 损坏— to damage; to impair
  • 毁灭— to annihilate; to ruin
  • 诽谤— to slander; to defame

Antonyms

  • 建— to build; to construct
  • 保护— to protect; to preserve
  • 修复— to repair; to restore
  • 赞美— to praise; to commend

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The fire destroyed the building (毀坏建筑).
  • He was accused of slander (誹謗毀謗).
  • The flood damaged the crops (毀坏庄稼).
  • They demolished the old house (拆毀旧屋).

Collocations

  • Destroy(毀坏)
  • Demolish(拆毀)
  • Slander(毀謗)
  • Damage(損毀)
  • Ruin(毀滅)
  • Destroy reputation(毀譽)

Idioms

  • To destroy the family and ruin the state(毀家紓難)
  • To be destroyed by slander(積毀銷骨)
  • To destroy one's reputation(毀於一旦)
  • To slander and defame(毀譽參半)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '毀' carries a strong negative connotation, associated with loss and moral transgression.
  • The character is often used in legal and ethical contexts concerning defamation and property damage.
  • The concept of '毀' is antithetical to Confucian values of harmony, preservation, and maintaining social order.

FAQ