Definition
杀气腾腾 is a four-character idiom that literally means 'killing energy rising up' — it describes an atmosphere or demeanor filled with intense hostility, aggression, or murderous intent. You use it to portray a scene where someone looks ready to fight or kill, or a situation charged with violent tension. It's often applied to facial expressions, battlefields, or confrontational settings.
f.e.
murderous-lookingfilled with a violenthostile atmosphere
Examples
- 杀气腾腾，。Tā zǒu jìnlái de shíhou shā qì téng téng, méi rén gǎn shuōhuà.When he walked in with a murderous look, no one dared to speak.
- 杀气腾腾，。Zhànchǎng shàng shā qì téng téng, shìbīng men jǐn wò wǔqì.The battlefield was filled with a violent atmosphere; soldiers gripped their weapons tightly.
- 杀气腾腾，。Duìfāng yǎnshén shā qì téng téng, wǒ gǎnjǐn hòutuì le jǐ bù.The other person's eyes were murderous, so I quickly stepped back a few paces.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.