Meaning
妖冶 describes a captivating, seductive kind of beauty that is often considered dangerously alluring or bewitching. It typically carries connotations of feminine charm that is both irresistible and slightly improper or morally ambiguous. The word suggests beauty that borders on the supernatural or magical in its power to captivate.
Usage
This is a literary and somewhat classical term more common in written language than everyday speech. It typically describes women, flowers, or scenery with an emphasis on their seductive or enchanting qualities. The word often carries a subtle negative or cautionary undertone, suggesting beauty that might lead one astray.
Examples
- 01她穿着一袭红色长裙，显得格外妖冶动人。, .She wore a red gown that made her look exceptionally seductive and captivating.
- 02月光下的桃花显得分外妖冶，令人沉醉。, .The peach blossoms under the moonlight appeared extraordinarily alluring, making one intoxicated.
Characters
Common collocations
- 妖冶的美女a seductively beautiful woman
- 妖冶动人enchantingly captivating
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to seduction and enchantment. 妖 originally meant demon or supernatural being, while 冶 relates to the smelting process but evolved to mean alluring beauty. Together they form a classical literary compound emphasizing bewitching charm.