Definition
惨重 (cǎn zhòng) is a formal adjective meaning 'disastrous, severe' — it specifically describes the scale of losses, casualties, or consequences. It's more focused on quantitative severity than 惨 (cǎn), which is broader (tragic, miserable), and more formal than 不得了 (bù dé liǎo), which is colloquial and can also mean 'extremely' as a complement.
adjective
disastroussevere (of losses, casualties, consequences)
Examples
- 惨重。Zhè cì huǒzāi zàochéng le cǎn zhòng de sǔnshī.This fire caused disastrous losses.
- 惨重，。Nà cì zhàndòu shāngwáng cǎn zhòng, lìng rén tòngxīn.That battle had severe casualties, which is heartbreaking.
- 惨重。Jīngjì wēijī gěi gāi guó dài lái le cǎn zhòng de yǐngxiǎng.The economic crisis brought disastrous impacts on that country.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.