Meanings of 噩
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 噩
Podcast: 噩
Podcast: 噩
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 噩
噩 (è) vs 恶 (è) — use 噩 for something ominous or shocking, while 恶 refers to something evil or malicious.
Imagine a loud, startling noise (like a scream) that makes you feel uneasy. The character 噩 has the radical for 'speech' (口) at its base, indicating communication, while the rest of the character can remind you of the unexpectedness of a bad omen. Visualize a ghostly figure shouting bad news, making you feel shocked and worried.
This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation, which can lead to mistakes in context. It's important to use it in appropriate situations, such as discussing superstitions or frightening experiences. Be careful with its tone; the fourth tone (è) can be easily confused with other tones.
While 噩 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it shares thematic connections with other characters describing bad luck or misfortune. Students should focus on its usage in literature or cultural references to grasp its full meaning.
In Chinese culture, the concept of bad omens is significant, especially in folklore and superstitions. The character 噩 may appear in stories or sayings that relate to unfortunate events, underscoring the culture's sensitivity to luck and misfortune.
Learners often confuse 噩 with similar sounding characters like 恶 (è), which means 'evil' or 'wicked'. Remember that 噩 specifically relates to bad omens and shocking events, whereas 恶 has a more general negative moral implication.
Pronunciation of 噩
Drill the tone of 噩 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 噩
A jade statue 王 with four holes made in it 口
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 噩?
Decomposition of 噩
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 噩?
Write 噩
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 噩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 噩
噩 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 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.
Complete the Sentence
毕业税具体操作起来不啻一场行政____梦。
In practice a graduate tax is an administrative nightmare.
Example Sentences for 噩 (4)
Cultural Notes for 噩
In Chinese culture, the concept of bad omens is significant, especially in folklore and superstitions. The character 噩 may appear in stories or sayings that relate to unfortunate events, underscoring the culture's sensitivity to luck and misfortune.
Word Family of 噩
Compound Meaning
What does 噩梦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 噩
No, 噩 is more often found in literary contexts or discussions about superstitions.