han2狠
Jyutpinghan2
Yalehán
Definition
Ruthless, relentless, or ferocious.
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Describes a person who acts with extreme determination or cruelty, often disregarding the feelings of others to achieve a goal. It implies a level of intensity that goes beyond simple toughness, suggesting a willingness to inflict pain or suffer great hardship. It is frequently used to describe someone who is exceptionally strict or demanding, whether towards others or themselves.
Examples
He is ruthless in his work and shows no mercy at all.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 恨, which means to hate or to regret. While they sound similar, 狠 focuses on the ruthless nature of an action or personality, whereas 恨 is purely about the emotion of hatred.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
