Meaning
恶习 refers to a harmful or morally wrong habit that is difficult to break. It combines 恶 (evil/bad) with 习 (habit/practice) to describe behaviors that are socially unacceptable, personally damaging, or morally questionable. The term carries a stronger negative connotation than neutral words like 习惯 (habit).
Usage
This is a formal, somewhat literary term used in written language, educational contexts, or serious discussions about behavior. It's commonly used when criticizing bad behaviors like smoking, gambling, or dishonesty. Less common in casual daily conversation, where people might use 坏习惯 instead for milder bad habits.
Examples
- 01吸烟是一种难以戒除的恶习。.Smoking is a bad habit that is difficult to quit.
- 02他决心改掉所有的恶习，重新做人。, .He is determined to get rid of all his vices and turn over a new leaf.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个恶习
- 种一种恶习
Common collocations
- 改掉恶习to get rid of bad habits
- 染上恶习to pick up bad habits
- 戒除恶习to quit bad habits
- 社会恶习social vice
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines classical Chinese characters: 恶 originally depicted a heart (心) feeling disgust, while 习 shows a bird practicing flight repeatedly. Together they form a compound meaning 'repeatedly practiced bad behavior.'