How to Write 害 (hài) — Meaning “Harm / To hurt”

Imagine a roof (宀) over a mouth (口) that never stops talking (丰, abundant speech). Because the person talks too much, they cause harm to themselves or others. This image links the shape to the meaning 'harm' or 'to hurt.'

Pay special attention to the bottom part — it is 丰 with four horizontal strokes, not three like the character 羊 (sheep). Also, the top radical 宀 should fully cover the middle and bottom components. A common mistake is making the bottom too narrow or mixing up the number of horizontal lines.

All three share the roof radical 宀, but their bottom parts differ: 害 has 口 plus 丰, 宓 contains 必 (meaning 'must'), and 宕 contains 石 (stone). Visually, 害 is more complex and wider; 宓 is compact with a 'must' shape, while 宕 has a 'stone' bottom. In meaning, 害 is about harm, 宓 means quiet or secret, and 宕 means loose or procrastinate.

害 appears in common words like 害怕 (hàipà, to be afraid), 害羞 (hàixiū, shy), and 厉害 (lìhai, formidable or severe). It often carries a negative tone, expressing fear, embarrassment, or intensity. Culturally, 厉害 is frequently used in everyday speech to describe someone who is impressive or tough, but the core meaning of 害 always relates to harm or trouble.

Common words containing 害 include: 害怕 (hài pà) — To be afraid; 害羞 (hài xiū) — Shy; 厉害 (lì hài) — formidable or severe.