孽种 (niè chóng) — seeds of misfortune; the root of future calamity; (derogatory) bastard; wretched offspring

Definition

A strong literary insult combining 'bastard' and 'bringer of misfortune' — a cursed offspring said to cause future calamity. Used in old novels and curses, not everyday speech.

noun
seeds of misfortunethe root of future calamity(derogatory) bastardwretched offspring

Examples

  • 孽种，。
    Zhè ge hái zi yì chū shēng jiù bèi chēng wéi niè chóng, yīn wèi tā dài lái le è yùn.
    This child was called a bastard from birth because he brought bad luck.
  • 孽种。
    Jiù xiǎo shuō lǐ cháng bǎ jiān chén chēng wéi guó jiā zhī niè chóng.
    In old novels, treacherous ministers are often called the seeds of the nation's misfortune.
  • ：“孽种，！”
    Tā mà dào: "zhè ge niè chóng, jìng gǎn bèi pàn jiā zú!"
    He cursed: 'This bastard dares to betray the family!'

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

孽nièevil
种zhǒngseed/offspring

孽 (evil) specifies 种 (seed/offspring), giving seeds of misfortune or wretched offspring.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
子子zǐchild
Sound part声符shēngfú
薛
薛xuē孽niè
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

孽 uses 子 to show it is about a child, and 薛 to give its sound.

Open 孽 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
禾禾hérice
Sound part声符shēngfú
中
中zhōng种zhǒng
Same sound today

种 pairs 禾, which shows rice or grain and fits meanings like plant and seed, with 中, which gives its sound.

Open 种 →

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