neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 伤害 (shānghài) in both personal and social contexts. For instance, someone might say they feel 伤害 after a breakup to express emotional pain, or a parent might discuss the physical 伤害 a child endured while playing sports.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 损害 (sǔnhài), which more specifically refers to damage or loss, particularly in a legal or environmental context. While 伤害 (shānghài) encompasses both physical and emotional hurt, 损害 (sǔnhài) is best reserved for contexts involving damage to property or reputation.
Culture
The word 伤害 (shānghài) is composed of two characters: 伤 (shāng), meaning 'wound' or 'injury', and 害 (hài), meaning 'harm' or 'to cause trouble'. This etymological combination reflects a deep understanding of both physical and emotional pain in Chinese culture, where expressing hurt can often lead to a greater emphasis on harmony and healing.
FAQ
Q.What does 伤害 mean in English?
伤害 (shānghài) translates to 'hurt' in English, referring to both physical injuries and emotional pain.
Q.How do you use 伤害 in a sentence?
You can use 伤害 in a sentence like '这次事故对他的身体造成了很大的伤害' (Zhè cì shìgù duì tā de shēntǐ zàochéngle hěn dà de shānghài), meaning 'This accident caused a lot of harm to his body.'
Q.Is 伤害 used more for physical or emotional hurt?
While 伤害 can refer to both physical and emotional hurt, it is often used in emotional contexts, especially when discussing feelings of betrayal or loss.