unknown, 16 strokes, radical 口, rank #44596, Very Hard
è(e4) T4
1bad, ill-omened, unlucky
2startling
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March 24, 2026
噩è(e4)
The character 噩 (è) refers to something that is bad, ill-omened, or unlucky, often associated with something startling or shocking. It can be used in contexts that describe an ominous event or a disturbing experience, conveying a sense of negativity or fear.
Strokes16Radical口Frequency#44596DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Meanings of 噩
è(e4)
1bad, ill-omened, unlucky
2startling
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 噩
噩Simplified
16Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 噩
Podcast: 噩
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AI Study Notes for 噩
Quick Contrast
噩 (è) vs 恶 (è) — use 噩 for something ominous or shocking, while 恶 refers to something evil or malicious.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 噩
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
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.
Discovering your child takes drugs is a nightmare scenario for most parents.
4
好像噩梦初醒时那样觉得生命是何等的可爱.
hǎo xiàng è mèng chū xǐng shí nà yàng jué dé shēng mìng shì hé děng de kě ài.
Life seemed particularly sweet, as it does after awakening from a nightmare.
Cultural Notes for 噩
🏮Cultural insight
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
Words Containing This Character5
噩梦nightmare噩夢
噩耗grievous news
浑浑噩噩muddleheaded渾渾噩噩
噩èstartling
噩运bad luck噩運
Exercise 1 of 4
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.
Associate the sound 'è' with the feeling of shock or fear that follows a bad omen.
Typically, 噩 has negative connotations and is not used in positive contexts.
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