verb / noun HSK 5
Traditional 厭惡
yàn
to detest · to loathe · to abhor · disgust · aversion

Meaning

厌恶 expresses a strong feeling of disgust or intense dislike toward something or someone. It conveys a deeper level of aversion than simple dislike (不喜欢), indicating genuine repulsion or moral disapproval. The word can function as both a verb (to feel disgust toward) and a noun (the feeling of disgust itself).

Usage

厌恶 is commonly used in both written and spoken Mandarin when expressing strong negative feelings. It often appears with 对 (duì) to indicate the object of disgust, as in 对...感到厌恶. It carries a formal or serious tone and is stronger than casual expressions of dislike. Native speakers use it to describe reactions to behaviors, people, or situations they find morally objectionable or physically repulsive.

Examples

  1. 01
    我对他的虚伪行为感到厌恶
    duì de xūwěi xíngwéi gǎn dào yàn .
    I feel disgust toward his hypocritical behavior.
  2. 02
    这种令人厌恶的气味让大家都受不了。
    Zhè zhǒng lìng rén yàn de qìwèi ràng dàjiā dōu shòu liǎo.
    This disgusting smell is unbearable for everyone.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 对...感到厌恶
    duì ... gǎn dào yàn
    to feel disgust toward...
  • 令人厌恶
    lìng rén yàn
    disgusting, repulsive
  • 厌恶
    yàn gǎn
    feeling of disgust
  • 深感厌恶
    shēn gǎn yàn
    to deeply detest

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to negative emotions. 厌 originally depicted being satiated to the point of disgust, while 恶 (wù) represents wickedness or hatred. Together they create an intensified expression of strong aversion.

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