邪教
xiéjiào
The English word "cult" can be translated into Chinese as 邪教 (xiéjiào). Wiktionary also lists 異教 / 异教 (yìjiào).
Meaning: sect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 邪教 | xiéjiào |
| 異教 / 异教 | yìjiào |
In modern Chinese social and legal contexts, 邪教 is the standard term used to describe groups that are considered dangerous or subversive to society.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 邪教 is composed of 邪 (evil/heterodox) and 教 (religion/teaching).
Which one should you use?
While both terms can mean cult, 邪教 specifically carries a strong negative connotation of being a harmful or illegal cult. In contrast, 异教 (also written as 異教) is a more neutral term for a non-mainstream or heterodox religion, often used in a historical or academic context to refer to religions that are different from the established or mainstream faith rather than specifically implying criminal or harmful activity.
How do you pronounce it?
xiéjiào
Did you know?
- While English speakers might use 'cult' to describe an intense fandom, using 邪教 to describe a pop culture phenomenon would be seen as a serious accusation of criminal activity.
- The term 邪教 was first coined by the Taoist intellectual Fu Yi in the 6th century to attack Buddhism.
- The phrase 邪教 is frequently paired with the verb 清除 meaning 'to clear out' or 'to eliminate' in official government reports.
Examples in context
- 当局采取行动打击一个危险的邪教组织。The authorities took action against a dangerous cult.
- 他年轻时加入了一个教派。He joined a cult in his youth.
- 异端组织Heretical organization
- 这种邪教非常危险。Zhè zhǒng xiéjiào fēicháng wēixiǎn.This kind of cult is very dangerous.
- 警察正在调查那个邪教。Jǐngchá zhèngzài diàochá nàgè xiéjiào.The police are investigating that cult.
- 他被那个邪教骗了。Tā bèi nàgè xiéjiào piàn le.He was tricked by that cult.
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are discussing a news report about a crime.
- 伟 Wei你看到关于那个邪教的新闻了吗？Nǐ kàndào guānyú nàgè xiéjiào de xīnwén le ma?Did you see the news about that cult?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen看到了，太可怕了。Kàndào le, tài kěpà le.I saw it, it's terrifying.
- 伟 Wei很多人都受到了伤害。Hěnduō rén dōu shòudàole shānghài.Many people were harmed.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我们一定要远离这类组织。Wǒmen yīdìng yào yuǎnlí zhè lèi zǔzhī.We must stay away from these kinds of organizations.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cult” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 邪教, CC BY-SA 4.0.
