Understanding "讨厌" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 讨厌
• Pinyin: tǎo yàn
• Literal Meaning: "讨" (to provoke/ask for) + "厌" (dislike) = "to provoke dislike"
• Primary Meaning:
• As a verb: "to dislike," "to hate," or "to be annoyed by."
• As an adjective: "annoying," "disagreeable," or "unpleasant."

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

• Verb Usage: Used to express dislike or annoyance toward a person, thing, or situation. It can range from mild irritation to strong dislike.
• Example: "我讨厌下雨。" (I hate rain.)
• Adjective Usage: Describes something or someone as annoying or unpleasant.
• Example: "这个声音很讨厌。" (This sound is very annoying.)
• Nuances: Unlike stronger words like "恨" (hate), "讨厌" is more casual and commonly used in daily conversation.

Character Breakdown

• 讨 (tǎo): Originally means "to provoke" or "to ask for," but in this context, it implies "inviting" a negative feeling.
• 厌 (yàn): Means "dislike" or "detest." Together, the characters suggest "inviting dislike."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我讨厌迟到的人。
   Pinyin: Wǒ tǎoyàn chídào de rén.
   English: I dislike people who are late.

2. Chinese: 这只蚊子真讨厌！
   Pinyin: Zhè zhǐ wénzi zhēn tǎoyàn!
   English: This mosquito is so annoying!

3. Chinese: 他讨厌别人打断他说话。
   Pinyin: Tā tǎoyàn biérén dǎduàn tā shuōhuà.
   English: He hates it when people interrupt him.

Cultural Notes

• Politeness: While "讨厌" is common, calling someone "讨厌" directly can be rude unless used playfully among close friends.
• In Media: Often heard in dramas or songs to express frustration or playful teasing.

Conclusion

"讨厌" is a versatile word used to express dislike or annoyance. Remember its dual role as both a verb ("to hate") and an adjective ("annoying"). Practice with the examples to master its usage!