地狱
dìyù
The Chinese word for hell is 地狱 (dìyù).
地狱 refers to the abode for the condemned. It is used both as a literal religious concept and metaphorically to describe a place or situation of extreme suffering.
Meaning: abode for the condemned (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 地狱 is composed of 地, meaning earth or ground and 狱, meaning prison or jail.
Which one should you use?
地狱 is the direct antonym of 天堂, which means heaven.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
dìyù
Did you know?
- In many traditional Chinese stories, the underworld is managed by officials who resemble human bureaucrats, making the experience of hell feel like a twisted version of earthly administration.
- In some contexts, the term 地狱 is used in the phrase 地狱笑话 ('hell jokes'), referring to dark humor that makes light of tragedies or death.
- Traditional Chinese beliefs describe a 'mirror of retribution' in 地狱 that shows the deceased all the bad deeds they committed during their life.
Examples in context
- 地狱什么样？What is hell like?This sentence is useful for asking about the nature of hell using 地狱.Tatoeba #9961453 by GlossaMatik, translation #1624855 by marcelostockle
- 通往地狱的路，都是由善意铺成的。The road to hell is paved with good intentions.This sentence uses 地狱 in a metaphorical proverb about good intentions.Tatoeba #2746383 by sadhen, translation #421628 by shekitten
- 一个充满了恨的人为自己创造了地狱，而一个拥有爱的人心中存在着天堂。A person who hates creates his own hell, but a person who loves has heaven within.This sentence uses 地狱 to contrast a person's inner state with their emotions.Tatoeba #10457977 by GlossaMatik, translation #4861706 by theupandup
- According to Buddhism, bad deeds may lead one to 地狱 (dì yù), signifying the consequences of one's actions.According to Buddhism, bad deeds may lead one to hell, signifying the consequences of one's actions.
- I got lost in some 鬼地方 (guǐ dì fāng) and had no signal on my phone.I got lost in some hellhole and had no signal on my phone.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are discussing a scary movie they just watched.
- 伟 Wei这部电影里的地狱太可怕了。Zhè bù diànyǐng lǐ de dìyù tài kěpà le.The hell in this movie was too scary.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，那个场景让我很难受。Shì de, nàge chǎngjǐng ràng wǒ hěn nánshòu.Yes, that scene made me feel very uncomfortable.
- 伟 Wei你觉得地狱真的存在吗？Nǐ juédé dìyù zhēn de cúnzài ma?Do you think hell actually exists?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我不确定，但这只是个故事。Wǒ bù quèdìng, dàn zhè zhǐshì gè gùshì.I'm not sure, but it's just a story.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
