打击: meaning, pinyin, and usage

Title: Understanding "打击" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 打击
• Pinyin: dǎjī
• Literal Meaning: “to hit” + “to strike”
• Primary Meaning: to strike, attack, crack down on, or deal a blow to someone or something; it can also mean an emotional or psychological blow.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  打击 is a common Chinese word used in both physical and abstract situations.

It can mean a physical strike or attack, but in modern Chinese it is very often used in broader meanings, such as:

1. To crack down on illegal or harmful activities
   For example, the government or police can 打击犯罪 — “crack down on crime.”

2. To attack or weaken an opponent
   It can be used in military, political, business, or competitive contexts.

3. An emotional or psychological blow
   When someone experiences failure, criticism, or bad news, you can say it was a 打击 to them.

In English, depending on the context, 打击 can be translated as:
- to strike
- to attack
- to hit
- to crack down on
- to deal a blow to
- a blow or setback

As a verb, it means “to strike” or “to attack.”
As a noun, it can mean “a blow,” “a setback,” or “an impact.”

• Character Breakdown:

• 打 means “to hit,” “to beat,” or “to do/make” in some contexts. It is a very common and flexible Chinese verb.

• 击 means “to strike,” “to attack,” or “to hit.” It often appears in more formal words related to attacks or impacts.

Together, 打击 emphasizes the idea of striking or attacking, either physically, socially, politically, or emotionally.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 警察正在打击网络犯罪。
• Pinyin: Jǐngchá zhèngzài dǎjī wǎngluò fànzuì.

• English: The police are cracking down on cybercrime.

• Chinese: 这次失败对他是一个很大的打击。

• Pinyin: Zhè cì shībài duì tā shì yí gè hěn dà de dǎjī.

• English: This failure was a big blow to him.

• Chinese: 不要因为别人的话而受到打击。

• Pinyin: Bú yào yīnwèi biérén de huà ér shòudào dǎjī.
• English: Don’t be discouraged or hurt by other people’s words.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese news and official language, 打击 is frequently used with words related to crime, corruption, and illegal behavior. For example:

• 打击犯罪 — to crack down on crime
• 打击腐败 — to crack down on corruption
• 打击走私 — to crack down on smuggling

This usage often sounds formal and serious. It suggests organized action against something harmful or illegal.

In daily life, 打击 is also commonly used to describe emotional hurt. For example, if someone fails an important exam or receives bad news, Chinese speakers might say:

这对他打击很大。
Zhè duì tā dǎjī hěn dà.
“This was a big blow to him.”

So learners should remember that 打击 is not only about physical hitting. It is often used for emotional, social, legal, or political “strikes.”

Conclusion

打击 means “to strike,” “to attack,” “to crack down on,” or “a blow/setback.” It can describe physical attacks, official action against crime, or emotional harm. A useful way to remember it is: 打 means “hit,” and 击 means “strike,” so 打击 is a strong “hit” or “blow,” either literally or figuratively.