(onom.) sound of dripping water, a ticking clock etc
unknown, 14 strokes, radical 口, rank #17762, Hard
嘀
dí
to whisper
v, 14 strokes, radical 口, rank #17762, Hard
嘀
dí
(onom.) sound of dripping water, a ticking clock etc
unknown, 14 strokes, radical 口, rank #17762, Hard
dí(di2)
primary
T2
1to whisper
2(onom.) sound of dripping water, a ticking clock etc
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March 24, 2026
嘀dí(di2)
The character 嘀 (dí) primarily refers to the sound of dripping water or a ticking clock, often used in onomatopoeic contexts. It can also mean to whisper or speak softly, conveying a sense of secrecy or intimacy in communication. This word is commonly used in informal settings to describe light sounds or hushed conversations.
Strokes14Radical口Frequency#17762DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the sound of dripping water is often associated with tranquility or contemplation, sometimes representing patience in traditional poetry. It reflects the appreciation for subtle sounds in nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock ticking softly, making the sound 'dí' as it marks each second. The character 嘀 resembles a person whispering (the upper part '口' represents a mouth) while the lower part suggests the rhythm of time passing, like water dripping.
Meanings of 嘀
dí(di2)
primary
1to whisper
2(onom.) sound of dripping water, a ticking clock etc
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 嘀
嘀Simplified
14Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 嘀
Podcast: 嘀
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AI Study Notes for 嘀
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock ticking softly, making the sound 'dí' as it marks each second. The character 嘀 resembles a person whispering (the upper part '口' represents a mouth) while the lower part suggests the rhythm of time passing, like water dripping.
Usage Notes
Be cautious about using 嘀 in formal contexts, as it is primarily informal and often associated with everyday sounds. Common collocations include 嘀咕 (dí gū), which means to murmur or whisper. Pay attention to the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 嘀 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 2 words like 声音 (shēng yīn, sound) and 耳朵 (ěr duo, ear). Focus on the onomatopoeic nature of the word and practice using it in sentences that describe sounds.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the sound of dripping water is often associated with tranquility or contemplation, sometimes representing patience in traditional poetry. It reflects the appreciation for subtle sounds in nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 嘀 with similar-sounding characters like 低 (dī, low) and may use it incorrectly in formal settings. For example, saying '我在嘀一个秘密' instead of the correct '我在低声说一个秘密' (I am speaking softly about a secret) shows a misunderstanding of context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 嘀
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Grammar Patterns of 嘀
嘀 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 2 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
一只上了弦的钟在厨房的案子上____嗒响个不停。
A wind-up clock ticked busily from the kitchen counter.
Example Sentences for 嘀 (8)
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1
一只上了弦的钟在厨房的案子上嘀嗒响个不停。
yī zhī shàng le xián de zhōng zài chú fáng de àn zǐ shàng dí tà xiǎng gè bù tíng。
A wind-up clock ticked busily from the kitchen counter.
2
又一滴水嘀嗒一声落下。
yòu yī dī shuǐ dí tà yī shēng luò xià。
Another drop of water fell with a soft plop.
3
他坐在那儿，听着落地式大摆钟嘀嗒作响。
tā zuò zài nà ér， ， tīng zháo luò dì shì dà bǎi zhōng dí tà zuò。
He sat listening to the tick of the grandfather clock.
He pointed up to the roof, through which the steady drumming of rain could be heard.
8
他们倒换着双脚,眨着眼睛,嘀咕着, 有时咒骂, 有时议论.
tā mén dǎo huàn zháo shuāng jiǎo, , zhǎ zháo yǎn, jīng , dí, gū zháo , yǒu, shí zhòu mà ,.
They shifted and blinked and muttered, now a curse, now a comment.
Cultural Notes for 嘀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the sound of dripping water is often associated with tranquility or contemplation, sometimes representing patience in traditional poetry. It reflects the appreciation for subtle sounds in nature.
Word Family of 嘀
Words Containing This Character4
嘀咕to mutter
嘀dí(onom.) sound of dripping water, a ticking clock etc
嘀嗒(onom.) tick tock
犯嘀咕to hesitate
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 嘀咕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嘀
嘀 (dí) refers to the sound of dripping water or a ticking clock and can also mean to whisper.
No, 嘀 is typically used in informal contexts, especially in spoken language.
Yes, it is often used for soft or light sounds in everyday situations.
