cruel and ruthless; vicious
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesadjective
cruel and ruthless in one's methods; vicious; merciless
Often used in the set phrase 心狠手辣 (xīn hěn shǒu là), describing someone who is ruthless and cruel. The character 辣 here metaphorically extends from 'spicy' or 'hot' to mean 'harsh' or 'severe'.
Tā他
wéi为
rén人
xīn心
hěn狠
shǒu手
là辣
，
dà大
jiā家
dōu都
bù不
yuàn愿
yǔ与
tā他
lái来
wǎng往
。
He is ruthless and cruel, so nobody wants to associate with him.
Duì对
shǒu手
de的
shǒu手
duàn段
shí十
fēn分
shǒu手
là辣
，
wǒ我
men们
bì必
xū须
xiǎo小
xīn心
dī提
fáng防
。
The opponent's methods are quite vicious, so we must be on guard.
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Zuò做
shì事
shǒu手
là辣
，
cóng从
bù不
liú留
qíng情
miàn面
。
He is ruthless in handling matters, never showing any mercy.