do evil; sin; pitiful
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to do evil; to commit sins; to act wickedly
Originally a Buddhist term referring to committing evil karma; now generally means doing bad things that will bring retribution.
He has done all manner of evil; he is truly committing sins.
Murder and arson are such deep sins that retribution will come sooner or later.
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Sins committed in a past life result in suffering in this life.
verb
to suffer misfortune; to be pitiful; what a pity
informalCommonly used in colloquial expressions like '真作孽' or '作孽啊' to express sympathy for someone's unfortunate situation. Predominantly used in Wu dialect areas (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang) but widely understood.
This child has been without parents since childhood; how pitiful.
What a tragedy, such a small child has fallen ill.
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He worked hard his whole life only to end up with nothing; it is truly tragic.