Definition
致命伤 is a compound noun that combines 致命 (fatal, life-threatening) and 伤 (wound, injury). Literally it means a fatal injury — a wound that causes death. Figuratively, it refers to a critical weakness or vulnerability that can destroy a person, organization, or plan — equivalent to 'Achilles' heel' in English. Both senses are commonly used in formal and journalistic Chinese.
n.
mortal woundfatal injuryfatal weaknessvulnerabilityAchilles' heel
Examples
- 致命伤，。Tā zài zhàndòu zhōng shòu le zhì mìng shāng, méi néng huó xiàlái.He received a fatal wound in battle and didn't survive.
- 致命伤。Zhège gōngsī de zhì mìng shāng shì zījīn bùzú.The company's fatal weakness is insufficient capital.
- 致命伤。Jiāo'ào shì hěnduō rén shībài de zhì mìng shāng.Pride is the Achilles' heel of many people's failure.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.