Ss! (sound of air sucked between the teeth, indicating hesitation or thinking over)
unknown, 15 strokes, radical 口, rank #19405, Hard
sī(si1) T1
1the neighing of a hoarse, gravel-voiced, hoarse
2hiss
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March 24, 2026
嘶sī(si1)
The character 嘶 (sī) refers to the sound made by horses, often described as a neigh or a hiss. It can also represent a hissing sound made by people, indicating hesitation or contemplation. This character is commonly used in literary or dramatic contexts to convey emotional tension or uncertainty.
Strokes15Radical口Frequency#19405DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the sound of a horse is often associated with freedom and adventure, reflecting the historical significance of horses in transportation and warfare. The character 嘶 encapsulates this cultural connection through its auditory imagery.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horse that’s trying to neigh but has a sore throat, making a 'sī' sound instead. The character 嘶 looks like a horse (the radical for horse, 马, is present) struggling to express itself, connecting both form and sound to its meaning.
Meanings of 嘶
sī(si1)
1the neighing of a hoarse, gravel-voiced, hoarse
2hiss
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 嘶
嘶Simplified
15Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 嘶
Podcast: 嘶
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AI Study Notes for 嘶
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a horse that’s trying to neigh but has a sore throat, making a 'sī' sound instead. The character 嘶 looks like a horse (the radical for horse, 马, is present) struggling to express itself, connecting both form and sound to its meaning.
Usage Notes
This character is typically used in more literary or descriptive contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is critical, as a mispronunciation can alter meaning. It often appears in phrases describing sounds or emotions.
HSK Study Tips
While 嘶 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding it can enhance comprehension of descriptive language and sound representation in Chinese. Students should focus on recognizing this character in texts and associating it with related sounds and emotions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the sound of a horse is often associated with freedom and adventure, reflecting the historical significance of horses in transportation and warfare. The character 嘶 encapsulates this cultural connection through its auditory imagery.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 嘶 with similar-sounding characters like 思 (sī), which means 'to think'. For example, saying '我在嘶这个问题' instead of '我在思考这个问题' (I am thinking about this question) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 嘶
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Grammar Patterns of 嘶
嘶 carries 4 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
“那么你认为如何？”她声音____哑地悄声问道。
"So what do you think?" she said in a hoarse whisper.
Example Sentences for 嘶 (9)
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1
“那么你认为如何？”她声音嘶哑地悄声问道。
“ “ nà mó nǐ rèn wéi rú？” hé ？” tā shēng yīn sī yǎ dì qiǎo shēng。
"So what do you think?" she said in a hoarse whisper.
2
煤火烧得正旺，上面的铁茶壶嘶嘶地响个不停。
méi huǒ shāo dé zhèng wàng， ， shàng miàn de tiě chá hú sī sī dì xiǎng gè bù。
The iron teakettle was hissing splendidly over live coals.
"Yaaaaaaa," Carla let rip with the cry of the Valkyries.
6
他声嘶力竭地大叫.
tā shēng sī lì jié dì dà jiào.
He suddenly cried out at the top of his voice.
7
再笨的马也会嘶鸣或摆尾.
zài bèn de mǎ yě huì sī míng huò bǎi wěi.
It is an ill horse can neither whinny nor wag his tail.
8
这头驴嘶叫着试图脱缰而逃。
zhè tóu lǘ sī jiào zháo shì tú tuō jiāng ér táo。
The donkey brayed and tried to bolt.
9
我们所能听到的只是一些模糊不清的劈啪声, 咕嘟声和嘶嘶声.
wǒ mén suǒ néng tīng dào de zhī shì yī xiē mó hū bù qīng de pī pā shēng, , gū dū shēng hé sī sī.
All we can hear is an indistinct crackling, bubbling and hissing.
Cultural Notes for 嘶
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the sound of a horse is often associated with freedom and adventure, reflecting the historical significance of horses in transportation and warfare. The character 嘶 encapsulates this cultural connection through its auditory imagery.
Word Family of 嘶
Words Containing This Character8
嘶sīhiss
声嘶力竭to shout oneself hoarse (idiom)聲嘶力竭
嘶哑hoarse嘶啞
嘶叫to neigh
嘶吼to yell
嘶鸣to neigh嘶鳴
嘶喊to shout
人喊马嘶hubbub人喊馬嘶
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 嘶 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嘶
It is similar to the sound 'hiss' or a horse's neigh, particularly when a horse is hoarse.
No, it is more commonly found in literature or poetry rather than in everyday speech.
Yes, it can also represent hesitation or contemplation in speech, similar to a thoughtful 'hmm'.
