虺 (huī) - A type of venomous snake & also refers to a small snake or serpent

虺Tone 1

huī ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 虫

枫惠

虺 · huī

A type of venomous snake;

also refers to a small snake or serpent;

used metaphorically for cunning or danger.

A type of venomous snakealso refers to a small snake or serpentused metaphorically for cunning or danger.

Usage highlights

Venomous snakeSerpent's denSnake and scorpionSmall snakeSerpent's hissTo raise serpents

Synonyms

  • 蛇— snake (general term)
  • 毒蛇— venomous snake

Antonyms

  • 龙— dragon (positive mythological creature)
  • 凤— phoenix (auspicious mythological bird)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Ancient texts mention venomous snakes (毒虺).
  • The marsh was said to be infested with serpents (虺蜮).
  • He was as cunning as a snake (如虺之狡).

Collocations

  • Venomous snake(毒虺)
  • Serpent's den(虺穴)
  • Snake and scorpion(虺蝎)
  • Small snake(虺蛇)
  • Serpent's hiss(虺鸣)
  • To raise serpents(养虺)

Idioms

  • Nurture a viper in one's bosom(养虺成蛇)
  • As venomous as a snake and scorpion(虺蝎其心)
  • The viper in the grass(草中之虺)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese literature, 虺 often appears as a symbol of hidden danger, treachery, or venomous intent.
  • The character is associated with ancient mythology and natural threats in traditional texts.
  • It carries strong negative connotations, representing both literal and metaphorical poison.

FAQ