How to Say
How to Write
ǎi
Meaning: by extension, person of reprehensible morals
💡 Think 'I (ài) is a snake in a jar—poisonous morals' (ǎi).
Compounds

📚 Character Story & Explanation

毐 (ǎi) meaning in English —

Unearthing this rare character feels like finding a shard of ancient pottery marked with a symbol of moral decay. 毐 (ǎi) originally depicted a serpent coiled within a vessel, suggesting hidden venom. By extension, it came to signify a person of reprehensible morals, someone whose character is as poisonous as a snake’s bite. In historical texts, it was often used as a derogatory term for treacherous officials or depraved individuals, reflecting the deep Confucian concern with moral integrity.

💬 Example Sentences

Common Compounds

Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up

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