Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成語) that literally refers to the ancient torture of 'cutting into a thousand pieces' — a gruesome death penalty. In modern Chinese, it's used as an exaggerated curse or expression of intense anger, equivalent to 'You deserve to die a thousand deaths!' or 'dammit!' in English. It's very strong language and should be used only in emotional outbursts, not in polite speech.
f.e.
(historical punishment) death by a thousand cuts(figurative, curse) expressing extreme anger or hatred: 'you deserve to be cut to pieces' / 'damn it!'
Examples
- ,千刀万剐。Zài gǔdài, qiān dāo mò shì yì zhǒng jíqí cánkù de xíngfá.In ancient times, death by a thousand cuts was an extremely cruel punishment.
- ,千刀万剐!Nǐ zhè zhǒng piànzi, zhēn gāi bèi qiān dāo mò!A liar like you really deserves to be cut to pieces!
- ,千刀万剐。Nǐ zài bù huán wǒ qián, wǒ hènbude bǎ nǐ qiān dāo mò le.If you still don't pay me back, I'd love to cut you to pieces.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.