敌人 — meaning in English: enemy

dírén · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for enemy

世界

shìjiè

敌人

dírén

联邦

liánbāng

整个

zhěnggè

电视

diànshì

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 敌人 (dírén) in discussions about conflicts, whether in politics, sports rivalries, or personal relationships. For instance, during a debate about historical wars, someone might refer to the opposing side as their 敌人, or in a competitive sports match, players might describe each other as 敌人 to emphasize rivalry.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 对手 (duìshǒu), which translates to 'opponent' and is used in more competitive contexts like sports or games. While 敌人 (dírén) carries a stronger connotation of animosity and hostility, 对手 (duìshǒu) implies a more neutral stance, focusing on skill and rivalry rather than enmity.

Culture

The term 敌人 (dírén) combines the characters 敌, meaning 'enemy' or 'foe,' and 人, meaning 'person.' This word has been used throughout Chinese history, particularly in literature and military texts, to denote adversaries. Interestingly, in ancient Chinese philosophy, the concept of an enemy was often tied to the idea of understanding and overcoming one's own shortcomings, reflecting a deeper, introspective view on conflict.

FAQ

Q.What does 敌人 (dírén) mean in English?

敌人 (dírén) translates to 'enemy' in English. It refers to a person or group that opposes or is hostile towards another, often used in various contexts such as conflicts or competitions.

Q.How do you use 敌人 (dírén) in a sentence?

You can use 敌人 (dírén) in sentences like '在战争中，我们必须认识敌人' (In war, we must recognize the enemy) or '他的敌人很强大' (His enemy is very strong).

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 敌人 (dírén)?

One common mistake is using 敌人 (dírén) too casually in contexts where a less confrontational term, like 对手 (duìshǒu), would be more appropriate. Remember that 敌人 carries a heavier, more aggressive implication.

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