XIONG

xiong(1)

兄 = elder brother

However, this word / character is never used alone; common combinations are:

兄弟 = xiong(1)di(4) = brothers (if there is at least one older and one younger)

兄长 = xiong(1)zhang(3) = brother, brothers (if he or all are older)

The character 兄 should not be confused with 只 = zhi = only, single / classifier for certain animals

If only younger brothers are around, the following is used:

弟弟 = di(4)di = younger brother, younger brothers

The alternative, more widely used word for older brother is:

哥哥 = ge()ge() = older brother(s)

Please note: even if the reference is only to one older brother, it's not just 哥, but 哥哥.

*****

凶 = vicious, strict

This is a single-character adjective / adverb.

他很凶. = Ta(1) hen(3) xiong(1). = He is very strict.

One could say this of a grim looking man.

The character 凶 should not be confused with the following three:

风 = feng(1) = wind

冈 = gang(1) = ridge

区 = qu(1) = area

**********

xiong(2)

xiong(3)

xiong(4)