Meanings of 吆
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About 吆
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Podcast: 吆
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AI Study Notes for 吆
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 吆
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Etymology of 吆
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 幺 represents the sound.
mouth
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 吆?
Decomposition of 吆
Identify the Components
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Write 吆
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Practice writing 吆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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.
Example Sentences for 吆 (2)
Cultural Notes for 吆
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
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!'.
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