恐吓 kǒnghè to threaten
to threaten; to menace
How to remember 恐吓: 恐 fearful + 吓 to scare = to threaten.
Characters
How it is used
- To threaten or intimidate, often criminally - 恐吓信 (kǒnghèxìn) a threatening letter, 恐吓他人 (kǒnghè tārén) to intimidate others.
- Note the reading hè (not xià) for 吓 in this word - a common pronunciation trap.
- More formal/legal than 吓唬 (xiàhu, to scare); 恐吓 implies serious menace with intent to coerce.