unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #31618, Very Hard
哧
chī
breathing
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #31618, Very Hard
哧
chī
tearing of paper, ripping of fabric etc
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 口, rank #31618, Very Hard
chī(chi1) T1
1the sound of ripping or giggling
2(onom.) giggling
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March 24, 2026
哧chī(chi1)
The character 哧 (chī) represents the sound associated with a sharp noise, such as giggling or the tearing of paper. It is often used in onomatopoeic contexts to convey a light, playful sound, frequently evoking a sense of amusement or surprise.
Strokes10Radical口Frequency#31618DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, onomatopoeic words like 哧 are prevalent in children's literature and storytelling, enriching the narrative with sound effects that engage young listeners and readers.
Memory Tip
Imagine a child giggling while tearing a piece of paper. The sound 'chī' mimics the sharp, quick noise of the paper ripping and the child's laughter. Picture the sound echoing in a quiet room, making it memorable.
Meanings of 哧
chī(chi1)
1the sound of ripping or giggling
2(onom.) giggling
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 哧
哧Simplified
10Strokes
口Radical
拟声词onomatopoeia (onom.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 哧
Podcast: 哧
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AI Study Notes for 哧
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a child giggling while tearing a piece of paper. The sound 'chī' mimics the sharp, quick noise of the paper ripping and the child's laughter. Picture the sound echoing in a quiet room, making it memorable.
Usage Notes
哧 is most often used in informal settings, especially in writing or spoken language to convey a playful tone. Be cautious not to confuse it with other sounds; it specifically denotes a light, sharp noise rather than a loud or harsh sound.
HSK Study Tips
Although 哧 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your grasp of onomatopoeia in Mandarin. Focus on how it complements other verbs or expressions that denote sound.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, onomatopoeic words like 哧 are prevalent in children's literature and storytelling, enriching the narrative with sound effects that engage young listeners and readers.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 哧 with similar-sounding characters that denote different types of sounds, such as 啧 (zé). For example, using 哧 to describe a loud noise would be incorrect; it should only be used for light sounds like giggling.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 哧
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Grammar Patterns of 哧
哧 functions as an onomatopoeic word — it imitates a sound. It often functions as an adverbial or stand-alone exclamation rather than a true verb or noun. It carries 4 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 3
Complete the Sentence
我喘气时呼____呼哧直响.
My breathing is harsh and wheezy.
Example Sentences for 哧 (2)
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1
我喘气时呼哧呼哧直响.
wǒ chuǎn qì shí hū chī hū chī zhí xiǎng.
My breathing is harsh and wheezy.
2
他扛起那只沉重的箱子, 吭哧吭哧地走了.
tā káng qǐ nà zhī chén zhòng de xiāng zǐ, , háng chī háng chī dì zǒu.
He heaved the heavy box and staggered off , puffing and blowing from the strain.
Cultural Notes for 哧
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, onomatopoeic words like 哧 are prevalent in children's literature and storytelling, enriching the narrative with sound effects that engage young listeners and readers.
Word Family of 哧
Words Containing This Character5
哧chībreathing
吭哧to whimper
呼哧呼哧(onom.) rapid breathing
呼哧(onom.) sound of panting
哼哧to puff hard (e.g. after running)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 哧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 哧
No, 哧 is generally reserved for informal contexts such as conversation or creative writing.
Yes, it can also describe the sound of tearing materials, like paper or fabric.
It is pronounced as 'chī', with a high pitch and a short, sharp sound.