bad luck · evil

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 凶 has four strokes and the on-reading きょう.
• Basic usage: It appears in words about adverse outcomes, viciousness, or objects used to harm people.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A poor harvest and viciousness
  • 凶作(きょうさく) means a poor harvest; 凶悪(きょうあく) describes vicious character or conduct.
• What can be a weapon
  • 凶器(きょうき) refers to an object used to harm someone. Tools and everyday objects can be described this way depending on their use.