Learn a Chinese Character - 毁 (Huǐ - Destroy; ruin; damage; break; demolish; spoil; mar; defame; slander; to cause destruction or damage to something; to ruin someone's reputation or image; to break or demolish a structure; to make something ineffective or useless)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 殳 (shū) - Weapon radical

Stroke Count: 13 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huǐ (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Destroy; ruin; damage; Break; demolish; Spoil; mar; Defame; slander

Extended Meanings:

• To cause destruction or damage to something
• To ruin someone's reputation or image
• To break or demolish a structure
• To make something ineffective or useless

Additional Notes: This character generally has negative connotations related to destruction, damage, or harm.

4. Common Words

• 毁灭 (huǐmiè) - Destroy; ruin; annihilate

  战争会毁灭许多生命和财产。(War will destroy many lives and properties.)

• 破坏 (pòhuài) - Damage; destroy; break

  不要破坏公共设施。(Don't damage public facilities.)

• 毁掉 (huǐdiào) - Ruin; destroy completely

  他的错误毁掉了整个计划。(His mistake ruined the entire plan.)

• 诋毁 (dǐhuǐ) - Defame; slander; speak ill of

  不要在背后诋毁别人。(Don't slander others behind their backs.)

• 摧毁 (cuīhuǐ) - Destroy; demolish; crush

  地震摧毁了许多房屋。(The earthquake destroyed many houses.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Mainly used as a verb

Common Usage:

• As a transitive verb: Requires an object to indicate what is being destroyed
• Often used in compound words with other characters to express different types of destruction

Common Structures:

• 被毁 (bèi huǐ) - Be destroyed (passive voice)
• 毁灭性 (huǐmièxìng) - Destructive; ruinous (adjective)
• 毁于一旦 (huǐ yú yīdàn) - Be destroyed in one day (idiom)

Usage Notes: "毁" is typically used in serious contexts involving significant damage or destruction.

6. Cultural Background

Traditional Perspective: In Chinese culture, the concept of "毁" is often associated with惋惜 (regret) and警示 (warning). There are many proverbs and sayings that caution against actions that may cause destruction.

Historical Context: Throughout Chinese history, wars, natural disasters, and social upheavals have led to the destruction of many cultural relics and historical sites, which is a great loss to Chinese civilization.

Modern Significance: In contemporary China, there is a growing emphasis on protecting the environment and cultural heritage to prevent destruction and preserve them for future generations.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Analysis: "毁" consists of "臼" (jiù, mortar) and "殳" (shū, weapon). Imagine using a weapon to destroy a mortar, which helps remember the meaning of destruction.
2. Pronunciation Association: The pinyin "Huǐ" sounds similar to "hway" in English. Think of "destroying the way" or "blocking the path" to remember the pronunciation.
3. Image Association: Visualize something being broken or demolished, such as a building being knocked down.
4. Vocabulary Linking: Associate "毁" with words like "毁灭" (destroy) and "破坏" (damage) to reinforce its meaning.
5. Sentence Memory: Learn the idiom "千里之堤，毁于蚁穴" (A thousand-mile dike is destroyed by an ant nest) to remember both the character and its cultural significance.