HSK · Level 7
134 words
Chinese word
灾
Pronunciation
Pinyinzāi
Meaning
- noundisaster
Example
那场灾难夺走了很多生命。nà chǎng zāi nàn duó zǒu le hěn duō shēng mìng
That disaster took many lives.
More examples
救援队正在向灾区运送物资。jiù yuán duì zhèng zài xiàng zāi qū yùn sòng wù zī
The rescue team is delivering supplies to the disaster area.
Core concept
A sudden harmful event that turns safety, stability, or good fortune into loss.
Common phrases
灾难zāi nàn
calamity
自然灾害zì rán zāi hài
natural disaster
灾区zāi qū
disaster-stricken area
灾民zāi mín
disaster victim
Similar words
灾害zāi hài: A natural event or accident that causes harm to people or property.
灾难zāi nàn: A very serious disaster involving many deaths, injuries, or major losses.
不幸bú xìng: An unwanted event or situation that brings misfortune to a person or group.
Definition in Chinese
指突然降临、使人遭受损失或不幸的事件或状态，既可指自然灾害也可指意外事故或个人的不幸。zhǐ tū rán jiàng lín shǐ rén zāo shòu sǔn shī huò bú xìng de shì jiàn huò zhuàng tài jì kě zhǐ zì rán zāi hài yě kě zhǐ yì wài shì gù huò gè rén de bú xìng
Word origin
The simplified form 灾 (zāi, "disaster") combines 宀 (mián, "roof") + 火 (huǒ, "fire"), giving a memorable image of fire bringing calamity to a home.
Usage tips
- In everyday conversation, 灾 (zāi, "disaster") sounds serious and suits a major harmful event or grave personal setback, not a small everyday problem.