Meanings of 哑
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About 哑
Podcast: 哑
Podcast: 哑
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AI Study Notes for 哑
哑 (mute) vs 聋 (deaf) — use 哑 when referring to the inability to speak, whereas 聋 specifically relates to the inability to hear.
Imagine a cow that is trying to moo but can only produce a hoarse 'yā' sound. The character 哑 resembles a mouth (口) trying to speak, but the 'mute' part (冂) suggests it cannot, solidifying the image of being unable to express sound.
Common mistakes include confusing 哑 with similar-sounding characters like 呀 (yā), which has a different meaning and usage. 哑 is more formal and is often used in medical or literary contexts, so be mindful of your tone when using it in conversation.
While 哑 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words describing sounds or states of being. Students should focus on its use in contexts related to speech and communication, as well as its nuances in describing vocal quality.
In Chinese culture, the concept of being mute or having a hoarse voice can carry significant social implications, often leading to misunderstandings or the need for alternative forms of communication in daily life, such as gestures or writing.
Learners often confuse 哑 with the character 呀 (yā), leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For instance, saying '我哑了' instead of '我说话了' (I have spoken) would be incorrect, as 哑 implies not being able to speak.
Pronunciation of 哑
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Etymology of 哑
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 亚 represents the sound. Simplified form of 啞.
mouth
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 哑?
Decomposition of 哑
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 哑?
Write 哑
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Practice writing 哑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 哑
哑 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 7 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
“那么你认为如何？”她声音嘶____地悄声问道。
"So what do you think?" she said in a hoarse whisper.
Example Sentences for 哑 (10)
Cultural Notes for 哑
In Chinese culture, the concept of being mute or having a hoarse voice can carry significant social implications, often leading to misunderstandings or the need for alternative forms of communication in daily life, such as gestures or writing.
Word Family of 哑
Compound Meaning
What does 哑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 哑
哑 can mean mute, hoarse, or refer to sounds like cawing. It's important to consider the context in which you use it.