Meanings of 呸
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 呸
Podcast: 呸
Podcast: 呸
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 呸
命 (pēi) is typically used in informal situations and can convey strong emotions. Be careful not to use it in formal settings, as it may come across as rude. Common collocations include phrases expressing disdain or rejection, like '呸！你怎么可以这样！' (Pēi! How could you do that!).
While 呸 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for intermediate learners to express emotions vividly. Students should practice using it in context with other expressive words or phrases they’ve learned at this level.
Learners often confuse 呸 with other similar-sounding words. For example, they might mistakenly say 'péi' (which is incorrect) instead of 'pēi.' Always remember that 呸 is pronounced with the first tone.
Pronunciation of 呸
Drill the tone of 呸 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 呸
mouth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 呸
- 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half丕 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymouth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 呸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 呸?
Decomposition of 呸
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 呸?
How to say to spit at in Chinese
“to spit at” in Chinese is呸
The character 呸 (pēi) is an exclamation used to express contempt or disdain, similar to saying 'pah!' or 'bah!' in English. It can also refer to the act of spitting, particularly in a dismissive or scornful manner. This character is often used in informal contexts to show strong feelings of disapproval or disgust.
When to use 呸
命 (pēi) is typically used in informal situations and can convey strong emotions. Be careful not to use it in formal settings, as it may come across as rude. Common collocations include phrases expressing disdain or rejection, like '呸！你怎么可以这样！' (Pēi! How could you do that!).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 呸 with other similar-sounding words. For example, they might mistakenly say 'péi' (which is incorrect) instead of 'pēi.' Always remember that 呸 is pronounced with the first tone.
Write 呸
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 呸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 呸
呸 functions as an interjection — a standalone exclamation. It typically opens the sentence (啊！哎呀！) and is set off by a pause or comma. It carries 5 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
他对着电话____了一声，然后挂断了。
He blows a raspberry down the telephone line and hangs up.
Example Sentences for 呸 (1)
Word Family of 呸
Compound Meaning
What does 呸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 呸
No, 呸 is an informal exclamation used to express contempt.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 呸?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.