unknown, 6 strokes, radical 口, rank #36762, Very Hard
吆
yāo
to hawk (one's wares)
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 口, rank #36762, Very Hard
yāo(yao1) T1
1to cry, to bawl; to yell, to shout
2to yell (to urge on an animal)
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March 24, 2026
吆yāo(yao1)
The character 吆 (yāo) primarily means to shout or yell, often used in the context of urging someone or something to action, such as calling out to an animal or trying to get someone's attention. It can also refer to a loud cry or call, commonly associated with hawking goods in markets. The nuance of the term implies an energetic or forceful tone.
Strokes6Radical口Frequency#36762DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese markets, vendors often use shouting to attract customers, which is a lively aspect of the shopping experience. The act of 吆 is integral to the hustle and bustle of these environments, reflecting the energetic nature of Chinese street life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a farmer trying to get his stubborn donkey to move by shouting 'yāo!' This visual of a farmer using his voice to command reflects the character 吆, which combines the mouth radical '口' (kǒu) with a sound element that suggests calling out or urging.
Meanings of 吆
yāo(yao1)
1to cry, to bawl; to yell, to shout
2to yell (to urge on an animal)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 吆
吆Simplified
6Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 吆
Podcast: 吆
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AI Study Notes for 吆
Quick Contrast
呼 (hū) - use 吆 (yāo) when emphasizing a forceful call, while 呼 (hū) is more neutral and can refer to breathing or calling in a softer manner.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a farmer trying to get his stubborn donkey to move by shouting 'yāo!' This visual of a farmer using his voice to command reflects the character 吆, which combines the mouth radical '口' (kǒu) with a sound element that suggests calling out or urging.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 吆 is pronounced with a first tone (yāo), meaning a high, level tone, which can differ significantly from other similar-sounding words. It is mostly used in informal contexts, so avoid using it in formal writing. Common collocations include 吆喝 (yāo hē, to shout) and 吆叫 (yāo jiào, to yell).
HSK Study Tips
While 吆 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it is useful for learners at higher levels to understand colloquial expressions. Focus on its usage in informal dialogues and market settings, as this can enhance conversational skills.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese markets, vendors often use shouting to attract customers, which is a lively aspect of the shopping experience. The act of 吆 is integral to the hustle and bustle of these environments, reflecting the energetic nature of Chinese street life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 吆 with similar-sounding words like 摇 (yáo, to shake), which can lead to misunderstandings. For example, saying 吆 instead of 摇 when referring to shaking a bottle could confuse the listener.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吆
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Grammar Patterns of 吆
吆 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
他来到门口, 一面用枪托猛敲店门, 一面____喝着要喝酒.
He went to the door and, hammering with a revolver, demanded drink.
He went to the door and, hammering with a revolver, demanded drink.
2
他不住地挥响着鞭子,吆喝牲口.
tā bù zhù dì huī xiǎng zháo biān zǐ, , yāo hē shēng.
He continually cracked his whip and shouted at the mule.
Cultural Notes for 吆
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese markets, vendors often use shouting to attract customers, which is a lively aspect of the shopping experience. The act of 吆 is integral to the hustle and bustle of these environments, reflecting the energetic nature of Chinese street life.
Word Family of 吆
Words Containing This Character5
吆喝to shout
吆yāoto shout
吆五喝六lit. to shout out hoping for fives and sixes when gambling with dice; a hubbub of gambling
吆呼to shout (orders)
吆喊to shout
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 吆喝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 吆
You can say 吆, 我们出发吧！(Yāo, wǒmen chūfā ba!), meaning 'Hey, let's go!'.
No, 吆 is mainly used in informal contexts and should be avoided in formal writing.
