邪 (xié) - Evil, wicked, depraved, heretical, unorthodox & also used in ancient Chinese as an interrogative

邪Tone 2

xié ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 阝

想信

邪 · xié

Evil, wicked, depraved, heretical, unorthodox;

also used in ancient Chinese as an interrogative particle equivalent to 耶.

Evil, wicked, depraved, heretical, unorthodoxalso used in ancient Chinese as an interrogative

Usage highlights

Evil spiritEvil influenceHeretical doctrineEvil cultWicked personPathogenic factor in TCM

Synonyms

  • 恶— evil, wicked
  • 奸— treacherous, evil
  • 凶— fierce, evil

Antonyms

  • 正— upright, correct
  • 善— good, virtuous
  • 良— good, virtuous

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was corrupted by evil influences (邪恶影响).
  • This is a superstitious and heterodox belief (邪说).
  • Traditional Chinese medicine treats pathogenic factors (邪气).
  • The villain in the story was truly wicked (邪恶).

Collocations

  • Evil spirit(邪灵)
  • Evil influence(邪气)
  • Heretical doctrine(邪说)
  • Evil cult(邪教)
  • Wicked person(邪人)
  • Pathogenic factor in TCM(病邪)

Idioms

  • Upright and above flattery(正直无邪)
  • Refuse to be misled by heresies(不为邪说所惑)
  • Evil cannot prevail over good(邪不压正)
  • Strange doctrines and heresies(异端邪说)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, '邪' refers to external pathogenic factors that cause disease.
  • Historically used in Confucian texts to denote heterodox teachings contrary to orthodox doctrines.
  • In folk religion, associated with malevolent spirits and practices requiring exorcism.

FAQ