恐怖主义
kǒngbù zhǔyì
The English word "terrorism" is translated into Chinese as 恐怖主义 (kǒngbù zhǔyì).
恐怖主义 is a noun used to describe the use of terror as a means of coercion.
Meaning: use of terror as a means of coercion (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 恐怖, meaning terror or fear and 主义, meaning ism or ideology.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, the traditional Chinese script 恐怖主義 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to refer to a person who practices terrorism, do not use the abstract noun 恐怖主义. Instead, use 恐怖分子 (kǒngbù fènzǐ) or use the suffix 者 (zhě) to create 恐怖主义者.
How do you pronounce it?
kǒngbù zhǔyì
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the abstract noun 恐怖主义 to describe a person. Use 恐怖分子 or 恐怖主义者 instead.
Did you know?
- The word 分子 in 恐怖分子 literally translates to 'molecule' or 'element' when used in a scientific context.
- Depending on the context, 恐怖 can be used as a casual adjective meaning 'terrible' or 'extreme' when describing something like a very long commute.
- The term 恐怖主义 became widely standardized in Chinese through the translation of Western political theory during the 20th century.
Examples in context
- 根据美国国民的一个投票，人们普遍认为穆斯林人和恐怖主义有关。It is a prevalent belief, according to a nationwide poll in the United States, that Muslims are linked with terrorism.This sentence shows how 恐怖主义 is used in the context of public beliefs.Tatoeba #502962 by fucongcong, translation #1958 by AlanF_US
- 随着北朝鲜在26号宣布了按照六方谈话上达成的共识所制定的核计划发展，美国将其从美国的恐怖主义捐助国的名单上去除。被绑架者的家属表达了不安，因为这有可能造成对绑架问题的放弃。With North Korea's announcement on the 26th of its nuclear development plan based upon the agreement stemming from the Six Party Talks, and the United States' commencement of procedures to remove North Korea from its designation on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, the families of abductees have expressed growing unease that it may constitute an abandonment of the abductee issue.This sentence uses 恐怖主义 in the context of a state sponsor of terrorism.Tatoeba #1529509 by cynthia, translation #393896 by blay_paul
- 媒体报道了最新的恐怖袭击事件。The media reported the latest terrorist attack.
- 我们应该团结起来打击恐怖主义。We should unite to fight against terrorism.
- 这个国家一直在努力预防恐怖活动。This country has been making efforts to prevent terrorist activities.
- 这种恐怖主义行为是不可原谅的。Zhè zhǒng kǒngbù zhǔyì xíngwéi shì bùkě yuánliàng de.This kind of act of terrorism is unforgivable.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a news report about international security.
- 俊杰 Junjie你看到关于那场恐怖主义袭击的新闻了吗？Nǐ kàndào guānyú nà chǎng kǒngbù zhǔyì xíjī de xīnwén le ma?Did you see the news about that act of terrorism?
- 雨婷 Yuting看到了，真是太可怕了。Kàn dào le, zhēn shi tài kěpà le.I saw it, it is truly terrifying.
- 俊杰 Junjie世界各地都需要加强安全保障。Shìjiè gèdì dōu xūyào jiāqiáng ānquán bǎozhàng.The whole world needs to strengthen security measures.
- 雨婷 Yuting没错，希望能尽快恢复和平。Méi cuò, xīwàng néng jǐnkuài huīfù hépíng.You're right, I hope peace can be restored soon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
