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March 24, 2026
呕(嘔)ǒu(ou3)
The character 呕 (ǒu) primarily means 'to vomit' or 'to regurgitate.' It can also imply feelings of annoyance or being enraged, often used in contexts where something is particularly disgusting or upsetting. This word is commonly used in both medical and casual conversations related to health or emotional reactions.
Strokes7Radical口Frequency#11342DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of vomiting is often associated with the body's way of expelling harmful substances. This reflects a cultural belief in the body's natural processes and the importance of maintaining balance.
Memory Tip
Imagine the sound 'ǒu' resembling the noise someone makes right before they vomit. Picture someone feeling nauseous, holding their stomach, and preparing to let it all out, which visually ties back to the character's meaning of vomit.
Meanings of 呕
ǒu(ou3)
1vomit
2to vomit; to annoy, to enrage
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 呕
呕Simplified
嘔Traditional
7Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11342Frequency Rank
Podcast: 呕
Podcast: 呕
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AI Study Notes for 呕
Quick Contrast
呕 (ǒu) vs 恶 (è) — use 呕 for physical vomiting or regurgitation, while 恶 refers to something bad or unpleasant in a moral or emotional sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the sound 'ǒu' resembling the noise someone makes right before they vomit. Picture someone feeling nauseous, holding their stomach, and preparing to let it all out, which visually ties back to the character's meaning of vomit.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 呕 with similar-sounding words that carry different meanings. This term is generally used in informal contexts, particularly when discussing unpleasant physical sensations. It often collocates with words related to nausea and disgust.
HSK Study Tips
Although 呕 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be a useful addition for learners focusing on health-related topics. Students at this level should also pay attention to related vocabulary such as 恶心 (ěxīn - nauseous) to build a broader understanding.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of vomiting is often associated with the body's way of expelling harmful substances. This reflects a cultural belief in the body's natural processes and the importance of maintaining balance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 呕 by applying it in contexts that are too formal. For example, saying '我呕这个项目' (I vomit this project) instead of choosing a more appropriate term like '我对这个项目很失望' (I am disappointed with this project).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 呕
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Grammar Patterns of 呕
呕 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 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
赫尔·施密特无疑是我见过的最让人作____的人。
Herr Schmidt is certainly the most odious man I have ever met.
Example Sentences for 呕 (10)
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1
赫尔·施密特无疑是我见过的最让人作呕的人。
hè ěr· · shī mì tè wú yí shì wǒ jiàn guò de zuì ràng rén zuò ǒu de。
Herr Schmidt is certainly the most odious man I have ever met.
2
那只不过是以令人作呕的溜须拍马为能事的新闻报道。
nà zhī bù guò shì yǐ líng rén zuò ǒu de liū xū pāi mǎ wéi néng shì de xīn wén bào dào。
Nauseatingly fawning journalism that's all it is.
3
那人真是个令人作呕的伪君子！
nà rén zhēn shì gè líng rén zuò ǒu de wěi jūn zǐ！
What a revolting humbug the man was!
4
如果患者进食欠佳，药物会让他们感觉作呕。
rú guǒ huàn zhě jìn shí qiàn jiā， ， yào wù huì ràng tā mén gǎn jué zuò。
If the patient is poorly nourished, the drugs make them feel nauseous.
The judge described the offences as nauseating and unspeakable.
6
他突然觉得恶心，猛烈地干呕起来。
tā tū rán jué dé è xīn， ， měng liè dì gān ǒu qǐ。
Nausea surged in him and he retched violently.
7
闻到这令人作呕的气味,他皱眉蹙额.
wén dào zhè líng rén zuò ǒu de qì wèi, , tā zhòu méi cù.
He screwed up his face at the nasty smell.
8
闻一下这种药——它有一种令人作呕的味道, 对 吗 ?
wén yī xià zhè zhǒng yào—— —— tā yǒu yī zhǒng líng rén zuò ǒu de wèi, dào ,?
Have a sniff of this medicine — It'smells revolting, doesn't it?
9
闻一下这种药——它有一种令人作呕的味道，对吗？
wén yī xià zhè zhǒng yào—— —— tā yǒu yī zhǒng líng rén zuò ǒu de wèi， dào ，？
Have a sniff of this medicine—it smells revolting,doesn't it?
10
婴儿一喂饱之后就会呕吐.
yīng ér yī wèi bǎo zhī hòu jiù huì ǒu tǔ.
Baby had no sooner finished his feed than it all camp up.
Cultural Notes for 呕
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of vomiting is often associated with the body's way of expelling harmful substances. This reflects a cultural belief in the body's natural processes and the importance of maintaining balance.
Word Family of 呕
Words Containing This Character5
呕吐ǒutùto vomit嘔吐
呕ǒuvomit嘔
作呕to feel sick作嘔
呕心沥血to work one's heart out嘔心瀝血
干呕to retch乾嘔
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 呕吐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 呕
You would use 呕 when talking about feeling sick, particularly when you feel like you might vomit, or when expressing disgust about something.
No, 呕 is typically used in informal contexts, such as conversations about health or personal feelings.
Yes, in a figurative sense, it can express feelings of annoyance, especially when something is particularly irritating.
