恐怖

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kǒngbù: 恐怖 - Terror, Horror, Frightening

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: kongbu, 恐怖, what does kongbu mean, kǒngbù pinyin, Chinese for horror, Chinese for terror, scary in Chinese, frightening in Chinese, horror movie in Chinese, 恐怖片, terrorism in Chinese, 恐怖主义.
  • Summary: Learn the meaning of 恐怖 (kǒngbù), a powerful Chinese word for “terror” and “horror.” This page breaks down how to use kǒngbù to talk about everything from horror movies (恐怖片) and terrifying experiences to the global issue of terrorism (恐怖主义). Discover the difference between 恐怖 (kǒngbù) and the more common word for “scary,” and master its usage with practical examples.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): kǒng bù
  • Part of Speech: Adjective, Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 5
  • Concise Definition: A strong feeling of fear combined with dread or revulsion; terror, horror, or horrifying.
  • In a Nutshell: 恐怖 (kǒngbù) is not your everyday “scary.” It's a heavy, intense word used for things that are truly terrifying. Think of the deep, psychological dread from a horror movie, the shock of a tragic accident, or the fear associated with a terrorist attack. While a big spider might be `可怕 (kěpà)` (scary), a scene from a slasher film is 恐怖 (kǒngbù).

Character Breakdown

  • 恐 (kǒng): This character means “fear” or “dread.” It's composed of 巩 (gǒng) and a heart radical, 心 (xīn), at the bottom. The heart radical signifies that this is an emotion, a feeling rooted deep inside you.
  • 怖 (bù): This character also means “fear” or “to be frightened.” It uses the heart radical variant (忄) on the left, combined with 布 (bù), which means “cloth” or “to spread.” You can think of it as fear spreading through your heart.
  • When combined, 恐怖 (kǒngbù) creates an intensified meaning. Stacking two characters that both mean “fear” results in a word that signifies the highest level of fear: pure terror or horror.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • Terror vs. “Scary”: In English, there's a clear difference between “scary” (a ghost story, a loud noise) and “terrifying” or “horrifying” (a violent attack, a life-threatening situation). 恐怖 (kǒngbù) occupies the latter, more intense space. The most common mistake for learners is to use 恐怖 when the less intense `可怕 (kěpà)` would be more appropriate.
  • Modern Media and Politics: The term 恐怖 is highly prominent in modern Chinese media, but often in two specific domains: entertainment and politics.
    • Entertainment: `恐怖片 (kǒngbù piàn - horror film)` is a major genre, although often subject to censorship in mainland China for excessive gore or supernatural elements.
    • Politics: `恐怖主义 (kǒngbù zhǔyì - terrorism)`, `恐怖分子 (kǒngbù fènzǐ - terrorist)`, and `恐怖袭击 (kǒngbù xíjī - terrorist attack)` are standard, formal terms used in news reports and government statements. This usage is very direct and carries the same serious weight as its English equivalent.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • As an Adjective (“Horrifying”): This is its most common use. It describes something that induces horror.
    • `这个故事太恐怖了。` (Zhège gùshi tài kǒngbù le.) - This story is too horrifying.
  • As a Noun (“Horror/Terror”): It can also refer to the concept of horror itself.
    • `他体会到了战争的恐怖。` (Tā tǐhuì dàole zhànzhēng de kǒngbù.) - He experienced the horror of war.
  • In Compound Words: 恐怖 is a building block for many important modern terms.
    • `恐怖片 (kǒngbù piàn)` - Horror movie
    • `恐怖主义 (kǒngbù zhǔyì)` - Terrorism
  • Informal Exaggeration: Like “terrifying” in English, young people might use it informally to exaggerate how difficult or bad something was.
    • `今天的考试简直是恐怖级别的！` (Jīntiān de kǎoshì jiǎnzhí shì kǒngbù jíbié de!) - Today's exam was simply terrifying!

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 我不敢一个人看恐怖片。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ bù gǎn yí ge rén kàn kǒngbù piàn.
    • English: I don't dare to watch horror movies alone.
    • Analysis: A very common and practical sentence. Here, 恐怖 acts as a modifier in the compound word `恐怖片 (kǒngbùpiàn)`, meaning “horror movie.”
  • Example 2:
    • 那个车祸现场的景象非常恐怖。
    • Pinyin: Nàge chēhuò xiànchǎng de jǐngxiàng fēicháng kǒngbù.
    • English: The scene at the site of the car crash was extremely horrifying.
    • Analysis: Here, 恐怖 is used as an adjective to describe a truly frightening and disturbing scene.
  • Example 3:
    • 他的脸色恐怖得像鬼一样。
    • Pinyin: Tā de liǎnsè kǒngbù de xiàng guǐ yíyàng.
    • English: His face was as terrifying as a ghost's.
    • Analysis: The particle `得 (de)` connects the adjective 恐怖 to the description of the result or extent. It emphasizes *how* terrifying his face was.
  • Example 4:
    • 昨晚的雷声太恐怖了，我一夜没睡。
    • Pinyin: Zuówǎn de léishēng tài kǒngbù le, wǒ yí yè méi shuì.
    • English: The thunder last night was so terrifying, I didn't sleep all night.
    • Analysis: This is a slight exaggeration but still acceptable. A severe thunderstorm can genuinely feel 恐怖 to some people.
  • Example 5:
    • 我们必须坚决反对一切形式的恐怖主义。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū jiānjué fǎnduì yíqiè xíngshì de kǒngbù zhǔyì.
    • English: We must resolutely oppose all forms of terrorism.
    • Analysis: A formal sentence you would hear in a news broadcast or official statement. 恐怖 is part of the key term `恐怖主义 (kǒngbùzhǔyì)`.
  • Example 6:
    • 电影里的那个怪物真是恐怖。
    • Pinyin: Diànyǐng lǐ de nàge guàiwù zhēnshi kǒngbù.
    • English: That monster in the movie is truly horrifying.
    • Analysis: A straightforward adjectival use to describe a creature designed to inspire fear.
  • Example 7:
    • 一想到要公开演讲，我就感到一种恐怖。
    • Pinyin: Yì xiǎngdào yào gōngkāi yǎnjiǎng, wǒ jiù gǎndào yī zhǒng kǒngbù.
    • English: As soon as I think about public speaking, I feel a sense of terror.
    • Analysis: Here, 恐怖 is used as a noun, “terror,” to describe a strong feeling of fear or phobia.
  • Example 8:
    • 这家医院的走廊在晚上安静得有些恐怖。
    • Pinyin: Zhè jiā yīyuàn de zǒuláng zài wǎnshang ānjìng de yǒuxiē kǒngbù.
    • English: This hospital's hallways are so quiet at night that it's a bit terrifying.
    • Analysis: This shows a more subtle use. The quietness itself isn't the horror, but it creates a horrifying atmosphere. `有些 (yǒuxiē)` means “a bit” or “somewhat,” softening the intensity.
  • Example 9:
    • 那个连环杀手的故事是真实事件，太恐怖了。
    • Pinyin: Nàge liánhuán shāshǒu de gùshi shì zhēnshí shìjiàn, tài kǒngbù le.
    • English: The story of that serial killer is a true event, it's so horrifying.
    • Analysis: Used to react to a true story that is deeply disturbing. This is a perfect use case for 恐怖.
  • Example 10:
    • 明天的日程排得满满的，简直恐怖！
    • Pinyin: Míngtiān de rìchéng pái de mǎnmǎn de, jiǎnzhí kǒngbù!
    • English: Tomorrow's schedule is completely packed, it's simply terrifying!
    • Analysis: A clear example of informal exaggeration. The speaker doesn't feel true horror, but is using the word for emphasis to mean “overwhelmingly difficult” or “dreadful.”

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The `恐怖 (kǒngbù)` vs. `可怕 (kěpà)` Trap: This is the most critical distinction for learners.
    • `可怕 (kěpà)`: “Scary,” “frightful.” It's a general-purpose word for things that cause fear. A scary dog, a high place, a bad dream. It's about the potential for harm or the feeling of being startled.
    • `恐怖 (kǒngbù)`: “Horrifying,” “Terrifying.” It implies a deeper sense of dread, revulsion, and intense fear. It's often associated with gore, violence, psychological dread, and grave danger.
  • Incorrect Usage Example:
    • (Seeing a small spider) `这只蜘蛛很恐怖。` (Zhè zhī zhīzhū hěn kǒngbù.)
    • Why it's wrong: While some people are very afraid of spiders, 恐怖 is too strong. It sounds overly dramatic.
    • Correct Usage: `这只蜘蛛很可怕。` (Zhè zhī zhīzhū hěn kěpà.) - “This spider is very scary.” This is much more natural.
    • Exception: If you were describing a giant, venomous tarantula from a nightmare, 恐怖 might be appropriate! Context is key.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 可怕 (kěpà) - “Scary, frightful.” The more common, less intense word for fear. Use this for everyday scary things.
  • 害怕 (hàipà) - A verb meaning “to be scared” or “to be afraid of.” It describes the feeling a person has. `我害怕蜘蛛 (Wǒ hàipà zhīzhū)` - “I am afraid of spiders.”
  • 恐惧 (kǒngjù) - A more formal or psychological noun/verb for “fear,” “dread,” or “phobia.” Often used in medical or academic contexts.
  • 惊悚 (jīngsǒng) - “Spine-chilling” or “thrilling.” Similar to 恐怖, but often used for thrillers that rely on suspense and jump scares rather than pure horror.
  • 毛骨悚然 (máogǔ sǒngrán) - A Chengyu (idiom) meaning “to make one's hair stand on end and blood run cold.” A very vivid and literary way to describe the feeling of terror that 恐怖 things can cause.
  • 恐怖片 (kǒngbù piàn) - The standard compound noun for “horror film.”
  • 恐怖主义 (kǒngbù zhǔyì) - The standard noun for “terrorism.”
  • 恐怖分子 (kǒngbù fènzǐ) - The standard noun for “terrorist.”