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噗 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
噗pūto burstzg, 15 strokes, radical 口, rank #11557, Very Hard
噗pū(onom.) popunknown, 15 strokes, radical 口, rank #11557, Very Hard
噗pūplopunknown, 15 strokes, radical 口, rank #11557, Very Hard
噗pūpfffunknown, 15 strokes, radical 口, rank #11557, Very Hard
噗pūputt-putt of a motorunknown, 15 strokes, radical 口, rank #11557, Very Hard
pū(pu1) T1
  1. 1to burst
  2. 2(onom.) pop
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

噗pū(pu1)

The character 噗 (pū) is an onomatopoeic word that describes a bursting or popping sound, similar to the sound made when something like a balloon pops or a small object falls into water. It is often used in informal contexts to convey suddenness or a light-hearted tone, such as laughter or a small engine's noise.

Strokes15Radical口Frequency#11557DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, onomatopoeic words like 噗 are prevalent in storytelling and comic books, adding a vibrant and expressive quality to the language. This reflects the importance of sound in conveying emotions and actions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a balloon (represented by 噗) that suddenly bursts, making a 'puff' sound. The character's components suggest a burst of air coming out, which helps you remember the pronunciation 'pū' like a puff of air escaping.

Meanings of 噗

pū(pu1)
1to burst
2(onom.) pop
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 噗

噗Simplified
15Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 噗

JasonAmy

Podcast: 噗

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 噗

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 噗 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 扑 (pū), which means to pounce or pounce on. 噗 is informal and best used in casual conversations, especially when describing light-hearted actions or sounds.

HSK Study Tips

Although 噗 is not an HSK level word, it can be a fun addition for learners at any level to express sounds. Students should focus on understanding its use in context and how it complements other sound-related words they may encounter.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 噗 with 扑 (pū) and use it in inappropriate contexts. For example, saying '我噗了一个人' (I pū-ed a person) instead of '我扑了一个人' (I pounced on someone) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 噗

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Etymology of 噗

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

mouth

Semantic (meaning)口
+
Phonetic (sound)菐
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 噗

  1. 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half菐 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymouth
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 噗? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 噗?

Decomposition of 噗

IDS Structure⿰口菐
噗Full Character
=
口kou3
left
菐pu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 噗?

How to say to burst in Chinese

“to burst” in Chinese is噗pū

The character 噗 (pū) is an onomatopoeic word that describes a bursting or popping sound, similar to the sound made when something like a balloon pops or a small object falls into water. It is often used in informal contexts to convey suddenness or a light-hearted tone, such as laughter or a small engine's noise.

When to use 噗

Common mistakes include confusing 噗 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 扑 (pū), which means to pounce or pounce on. 噗 is informal and best used in casual conversations, especially when describing light-hearted actions or sounds.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 噗 with 扑 (pū) and use it in inappropriate contexts. For example, saying '我噗了一个人' (I pū-ed a person) instead of '我扑了一个人' (I pounced on someone) is incorrect.

Write 噗

噗

Practice writing 噗 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 噗

噗 carries 5 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 2

Complete the Sentence

子弹把尘土打得____噗直冒烟.

Bullets whipped up the dust.

Example Sentences for 噗 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
子弹把尘土打得噗噗直冒烟.

zǐ dàn bǎ chén tǔ dǎ dé pū pū zhí mào yān.

Bullets whipped up the dust.

Word Family of 噗

Words Containing This Character1
噗pūplop
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 噗 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 噗

Use 噗 in informal settings when you want to describe a light sound or action, such as popping or playful noises.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 噗?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.