Definition
惊吓 is a formal, written verb meaning 'to frighten/startle' — it describes a sudden shock that startles someone. It is more serious and less common in everyday speech than 吓 (xià, HSK6), and unlike 吓唬 (xià hu, HSK7), it does not carry a playful or intentional tone. Use 恐吓 (kǒng hè) for 'to threaten'.
verb
to frightento scareto startle
Examples
- 惊吓。Nà ge kǒngbù diànyǐng bǎ háizimen dōu jīng xià huài le.That horror movie scared the kids badly.
- 惊吓。Tūrán de shēngxiǎng jīng xià le zhèngzài xiūxi de lǎorén.A sudden noise startled the old man who was resting.
- 惊吓，。Bú yào yòng nà zhǒng fāngshì jīng xià xiǎo dòngwù, tāmen huì hàipà.Don't frighten small animals that way; they will get scared.
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