unknown, 12 strokes, radical 口, rank #37171, Very Hard
喳
zhā
to whisper
zg, 12 strokes, radical 口, rank #37171, Very Hard
喳
zhā
(onom.) chirp, twitter, etc
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 口, rank #37171, Very Hard
chā(cha1)
primary
T1
1to whisper
2(onom.) chirp, twitter, etc
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
喳chā(cha1)
The character 喳 (chā) primarily means to whisper or to make soft, chirping sounds. It is often used in contexts related to quiet conversations and the sounds made by small birds or insects. The nuance of this character conveys a sense of lightness and subtlety in communication.
Strokes12Radical口Frequency#37171DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the sounds of nature, such as birds chirping, are often associated with tranquility and beauty, representing a connection to the environment. The concept of whispering is also tied to the values of discretion and privacy in personal conversations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small bird chirping softly in a tree, its gentle sounds echoing the whisper of secrets. The character 喳 visually resembles a bird's beak opening, ready to tweet or chirp, and the 'ch' in chā sounds like the beginning of 'chirp'.
Meanings of 喳
chā(cha1)
primary
1to whisper
2(onom.) chirp, twitter, etc
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 喳
喳Simplified
12Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 喳
Podcast: 喳
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AI Study Notes for 喳
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small bird chirping softly in a tree, its gentle sounds echoing the whisper of secrets. The character 喳 visually resembles a bird's beak opening, ready to tweet or chirp, and the 'ch' in chā sounds like the beginning of 'chirp'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 喳 with similar-sounding characters, so it's important to remember its specific context related to whispering and chirping. This character is informal and often used in conversational settings rather than formal writing. Be careful with the tones, as the first tone (chā) is high and level, which can easily be mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
喳 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, but it can be associated with other words related to sound or speech, such as 说 (shuō - to speak) or 听 (tīng - to listen). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in informal dialogues or literature that involves nature.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the sounds of nature, such as birds chirping, are often associated with tranquility and beauty, representing a connection to the environment. The concept of whispering is also tied to the values of discretion and privacy in personal conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 喳 in formal contexts or confuse it with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 喳 in a formal speech instead of 说 (shuō) would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 喳
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Grammar Patterns of 喳
喳 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
桉树上鸟儿在吱吱____喳地叫。
There were birds twittering in the eucalyptus trees.
Example Sentences for 喳 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
桉树上鸟儿在吱吱喳喳地叫。
ān shù shàng niǎo ér zài zhī zhī zhā zhā dì jiào。
There were birds twittering in the eucalyptus trees.
The teacher told the children to stop chattering in class.
4
12只附近的麻雀也回应着叽叽喳喳叫起来.
12 12 zhī fù jìn de má què yě huí yīng zháo jī jī zhā zhā jiào qǐ.
A dozen nearby sparrows chirruped back.
5
小鸟吱吱喳喳地叫着.
xiǎo niǎo zhī zhī zhā zhā dì jiào zháo.
The birds are chirping.
6
麻雀在外边叽叽喳喳地叫.
má què zài wài biān jī jī zhā zhā dì jiào.
Sparrows are twittering outside.
7
麻雀在花园里叽叽喳喳地叫.
má què zài huā yuán lǐ jī jī zhā zhā dì jiào.
The sparrows were chattering in the garden.
8
娜奥米会被鸟儿吱吱喳喳的叫声唤醒。
nà ào mǐ huì bèi niǎo ér zhī zhī zhā zhā de jiào shēng huàn xǐng。
Naomi would waken to the twitter of birds.
9
红雀吱喳鸣叫着她春天的歌.
hóng què zhī zhā míng jiào zháo tā chūn tiān de gē.
The linnet chirps her vernal song.
10
现在天就要晴了, 一只麻雀已开始喳喳地叫.
xiàn zài tiān jiù yào qíng le, , yī zhī má què yǐ kāi shǐ zhā zhā dì.
Now it is clearing up, and a sparrow is beginning to chirp.
Cultural Notes for 喳
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the sounds of nature, such as birds chirping, are often associated with tranquility and beauty, representing a connection to the environment. The concept of whispering is also tied to the values of discretion and privacy in personal conversations.
Word Family of 喳
Words Containing This Character5
叽叽喳喳(onom.) chirp嘰嘰喳喳
喳chāwhisper
喳喳whisper
唧唧喳喳(onom.) chattering or giggling
嘁嘁喳喳chattering
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 叽叽喳喳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 喳
喳 is pronounced with a high level tone, like 'chā', ensuring the pitch remains steady.
喳 is typically used in informal contexts, so it is not suitable for formal writing.
喳喳 (chā chā) is a common phrase that mimics the sound of chirping, often used to describe birds.
