In Chinese, the line between physical sensation and emotional response is often blurred, and 恶心 (ěxīn) is a prime example. The word implies that moral corruption is a kind of sickness that can be felt physically. To an English speaker, it's like combining “nauseous” and “disgusting” into a single, more powerful concept. In English, we might say, “His hypocrisy makes me sick,” but it often feels like a metaphor. In Chinese, 他很恶心 (tā hěn ěxīn) feels more direct and literal; his essence is so vile it triggers a physical response of revulsion. Calling a person 恶心 is a very strong insult in Chinese culture. It's not just saying they are “annoying” (讨厌, tǎoyàn) or that you “dislike” them. It is a direct condemnation of their character, suggesting they are morally rotten, creepy, or fundamentally corrupt. It's an attack on their inner being, their “heart” (心).
恶心 is used frequently in daily life in two primary ways:
This is the literal medical meaning. You can use it when you have motion sickness, morning sickness, food poisoning, or are about to vomit.
This is the more common and powerful usage in social contexts. It can be directed at a person, an object, a situation, or an idea.