核平
hépíng
The Chinese way to say 'nuke' (as a verb) is 核平 (hépíng). Wiktionary also lists 核炸 (hézhà).
Meaning: (colloquial) to use a nuclear weapon on a target (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 核平 | hépíng |
| 核炸 | hézhà |
The term is used colloquially to describe the act of using a nuclear weapon on a target.
What does it mean word for word?
The slang term 核平 is a pun that literally translates to 'nuclear peace'.
Which one should you use?
While 核平 is a colloquialism, the term 核炸 is also used to describe a nuclear strike.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwanese Mandarin, the term 核武 is used for 'nuclear weapons' and the informal term 核彈 can be used to mean 'nuke'.
How do you pronounce it?
hépíng
Did you know?
- The term 核平 was inspired by a bug in the 'Civilization' video game series that made the pacifist leader Gandhi unexpectedly aggressive with nuclear weapons.
- The word 核 in 核平 refers to 'nucleus' or 'nuclear', but it is also the same character used for 'seed' or 'pit' in a fruit.
- The character 平 in 核平 can mean 'peace' but also means 'flat' or 'level', implying the target is literally flattened by the blast.
Examples in context
- 核武器的发展和扩散The development and proliferation of nuclear weapons
- 原子弹的毁灭性威力The devastating power of atomic bombs
- 看过那个关于核弹的电影吗？Have you seen that movie about nuclear bombs?
- 要是有人引爆了H炸弹会怎样？What if someone detonates an H-bomb?
- 如果核平，后果很严重。Rúguǒ hé píng, hòuguǒ hěn yánzhòng.If we nuke it, the consequences will be serious.
- 不要轻易威胁要核平对方。Búyào qīngyì wēixié yào hé píng duìfāng.Don't lightly threaten to nuke the opponent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nuke” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 核平, CC BY-SA 4.0.
