adjective HSK 6
Traditional 淫穢
yín huì
obscene · pornographic · indecent · lewd

Meaning

淫秽 describes content, language, or behavior that is sexually explicit, vulgar, or morally offensive. It is a formal, literary term often used in legal contexts, news reports, and official documents when discussing pornography or indecent materials. The word carries strong negative moral judgment and is not used casually in everyday conversation.

Usage

This is a formal written term commonly seen in legal texts, news articles about censorship, or official statements. Native speakers would rarely use this in casual conversation, preferring more colloquial terms. It frequently appears in phrases like 淫秽物品 (obscene materials) or 淫秽内容 (pornographic content). The term is strongly disapproving and maintains a serious, official register.

Examples

  1. 01
    警方查获了一批淫秽光盘。
    Jǐng fāng chá huò le yín huì guāng pán.
    The police seized a batch of pornographic discs.
  2. 02
    网站因传播淫秽内容被关闭。
    Wǎng zhàn yīn chuán yín huì nèi róng bèi guān .
    The website was shut down for spreading obscene content.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 淫秽物品
    yín huì pǐn
    obscene materials
  • 淫秽内容
    yín huì nèi róng
    pornographic content
  • 传播淫秽信息
    chuán yín huì xìn
    to spread obscene information
  • 淫秽出版物
    yín huì chū bǎn
    obscene publications

Antonyms

Origin

淫 originally meant 'excessive' or 'overindulgence' and later developed sexual connotations. 秽 means 'filthy' or 'polluted.' Together they form a compound emphasizing both moral transgression and impurity, reflecting traditional Chinese values about sexual propriety.

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