残酷

残酷 means 'cruel' or 'brutal,' describing something harsh, unkind, or excessively severe. It often implies a lack of mercy or compassion, especially in situations involving suffering or hardship.

The character 残 (cán) originally meant 'broken' or 'injured,' and later came to signify 'cruel' or 'merciless.' 酷 (kù) means 'extreme' or 'severe,' often used to describe intense conditions or harsh treatment. Together, they form a strong term for cruelty or brutality.

残酷 is commonly used in contexts such as describing harsh treatment, violent acts, or unfeeling behavior. It can also appear in literature or media to emphasize the severity of a situation. In daily conversation, it is often used to express disapproval of inhumane actions or policies.