Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
喇lā(la1)
The character 喇 (lā) primarily refers to a horn or bugle, often used in the context of musical instruments that produce a loud sound. It can also be an onomatopoeic term, mimicking the sounds made by wind or rain. In certain contexts, it may serve as a phonetic component in words, indicating its adaptability in Mandarin.
Strokes12Radical口Frequency#35287DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traditional instruments often include horns or bugles used in festivals and celebrations, making 喇 relevant in discussions about music and cultural events. The sound of these instruments is an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a loud horn (喇) that blares out sound similar to the wind whistling through trees. The character has a mouth (口) component which suggests sound, combined with the radical that resembles a horn shape, making it easier to remember its connection to noise.
Meanings of 喇
lā(la1)
primary
1(onom.) sound of wind, rain etc
2(phonetic)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 喇
喇Simplified
12Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#35287Frequency Rank
Podcast: 喇
Podcast: 喇
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 喇
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a loud horn (喇) that blares out sound similar to the wind whistling through trees. The character has a mouth (口) component which suggests sound, combined with the radical that resembles a horn shape, making it easier to remember its connection to noise.
Usage Notes
喇 is generally informal and can be used in casual conversations about music or sound. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; be mindful of the tones, as 'la' (啦) has a different meaning. Be careful with collocations; it's often paired with musical terms or expressions of sound.
HSK Study Tips
喇 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, but understanding it can enhance comprehension of musical terms and expressions in conversational Mandarin. Students at the beginner level should focus on recognizing its sound and application in context rather than memorizing it.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traditional instruments often include horns or bugles used in festivals and celebrations, making 喇 relevant in discussions about music and cultural events. The sound of these instruments is an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 喇 interchangeably with similar-sounding characters without considering the context. For example, confusing it with 啦 (lā), which is a final particle, can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 喇
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 喇 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 喇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 喇
喇 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
负责选举的官员们已经临时安了几个____叭，让投票者可以同时享受音乐。
Election officials have rigged up speakers to provide voters with music.
Example Sentences for 喇 (8)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
负责选举的官员们已经临时安了几个喇叭，让投票者可以同时享受音乐。
fù zé xuǎn jǔ de guān yuán mén yǐ jīng lín shí ān le jī gè lǎ bā， ， ràng tóu piào zhě kě yǐ tóng shí xiǎng shòu yīn。
Election officials have rigged up speakers to provide voters with music.
2
司机冲我挥挥手，按了下喇叭。
sī jī chōng wǒ huī huī shǒu， ， àn le xià lǎ。
The driver gave me a wave and a toot.
3
她按了一下喇叭，把车开到右边停下。
tā àn le yī xià lǎ bā， ， bǎ chē kāi dào yòu biān tíng。
There are many people who " the moment they alight from the official carriage " make a hullabaloo.
Cultural Notes for 喇
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, traditional instruments often include horns or bugles used in festivals and celebrations, making 喇 relevant in discussions about music and cultural events. The sound of these instruments is an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities.
Word Family of 喇
Words Containing This Character14
喇叭lǎbaloudspeaker
喇lā(phonetic)
喇嘛lama, spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism
达赖喇嘛Dalai Lama達賴喇嘛
喇叭裤flared trousers喇叭褲
哈喇子(dialect) saliva
喇叭花morning glory
吹喇叭(fig.) to praise sb
喇嘛教Lamaism
喀喇昆仑山Karakorum mountain range in west Xinjiang喀喇崑崙山
喀喇沁旗Harqin banner or Kharchin khoshuu in Chifeng 赤峰[Chìfēng], Inner Mongolia
喀喇昆仑山脉Karakorum mountain range in west Xinjiang喀喇崑崙山脈
班禅喇嘛Panchen Lama班禪喇嘛
喀喇沁左翼蒙古族自治县Harqin Left Mongol autonomous county in Chaoyang 朝陽|朝阳, Liaoning喀喇沁左翼蒙古族自治縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 喇叭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 喇
It refers to a horn or bugle, which is a brass instrument commonly used in bands.
Typically, it is more suitable for informal contexts; formal discussions would require different terminology.
It is not commonly used in everyday speech, mostly appearing in discussions about music or sounds.
