unknown, 17 strokes, radical 口, rank #34953, Very Hard
嚓
cā
(onom.) snap
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 口, rank #34953, Very Hard
嚓
cā
pop
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 口, rank #34953, Very Hard
嚓
chā
a cracking or snapping sound
o, 17 strokes, radical 口, rank #34953, Very Hard
嚓
chā
(onom.) screech
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 口, rank #34953, Very Hard
嚓
chā
(onom.) snap
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 口, rank #34953, Very Hard
嚓
chā
pop
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 口, rank #34953, Very Hard
cā(ca1)
primary
T1
1a cracking or snapping sound
2(onom.) screech
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
嚓cā(ca1)
The character 嚓 (cā) represents a sharp, cracking, or snapping sound, often used in onomatopoeia. It is commonly used to describe sounds made by breaking or snapping objects, like a twig or a piece of ice, and can also convey sudden or startling noises in storytelling or descriptions.
Strokes17Radical口Frequency#34953DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, onomatopoeic words like 嚓 are frequently used in storytelling, literature, and everyday conversation to vividly convey experiences and emotions. This reflects a cultural appreciation for sound and its role in communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a loud 'caw' from a crow, followed by a sharp 'snap' as it lands on a brittle twig. The character 嚓 combines the idea of a loud noise (the 'caw') with the action of snapping ('cā'), visually represented by its components which suggest sound and impact.
Meanings of 嚓
cā(ca1)
primary
1a cracking or snapping sound
2(onom.) screech
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 嚓
嚓Simplified
17Strokes
口Radical
拟声词onomatopoeia (onom.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 嚓
Podcast: 嚓
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AI Study Notes for 嚓
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a loud 'caw' from a crow, followed by a sharp 'snap' as it lands on a brittle twig. The character 嚓 combines the idea of a loud noise (the 'caw') with the action of snapping ('cā'), visually represented by its components which suggest sound and impact.
Usage Notes
When using 嚓, it's important to remember that it is primarily used in informal contexts to describe sounds. Avoid using it in formal writing, and be careful to pronounce it with the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the meaning. Common collocations include phrases that describe sudden sounds or actions, such as '嚓嚓声' (cā cā shēng), meaning 'the sound of cracking.'
HSK Study Tips
While 嚓 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to other onomatopoeic words that describe sounds, such as 喀 (kā) and 啪 (pā). Students should focus on recognizing and using onomatopoeia effectively to enhance their descriptive language skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, onomatopoeic words like 嚓 are frequently used in storytelling, literature, and everyday conversation to vividly convey experiences and emotions. This reflects a cultural appreciation for sound and its role in communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 嚓 with similar-sounding characters like 咯 (gē) or 咔 (kā), which have different meanings. For example, using 嚓 in a formal report instead of a more appropriate term can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 嚓
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Grammar Patterns of 嚓
嚓 functions as an onomatopoeic word — it imitates a sound. It often functions as an adverbial or stand-alone exclamation rather than a true verb or noun. It carries 4 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
他把那沓纸揉得____嚓响。
He crunched the sheets of paper in his hands.
Example Sentences for 嚓 (4)
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1
他把那沓纸揉得嚓嚓响。
tā bǎ nà tà zhǐ róu dé cā cā xiǎng。
He crunched the sheets of paper in his hands.
2
他挪了一下身体的重心，一根树枝咔嚓一声断了。
tā nuó le yī xià shēn tǐ de zhòng xīn， ， yī gēn shù zhī kǎ cā yī shēng duàn。
He shifted his weight and a twig snapped.
3
她的脚喀嚓喀嚓地踩在沙砾上。
tā de jiǎo kā cā kā cā dì cǎi zài shā lì shàng。
Her feet scrunch on the gravel.
4
风把树喀嚓一声刮断了。
fēng bǎ shù kā cā yī shēng guā duàn le。
The wind had snapped the tree in two.
Cultural Notes for 嚓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, onomatopoeic words like 嚓 are frequently used in storytelling, literature, and everyday conversation to vividly convey experiences and emotions. This reflects a cultural appreciation for sound and its role in communication.
Word Family of 嚓
Words Containing This Character4
咔嚓stop it
嚓cāpop
喀嚓(onom.) breaking or snapping
嚓嚓(onom.) screech
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 咔嚓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嚓
Make sure to use the first tone, pronounced as 'cā', with a high and level tone.
No, 嚓 is typically used in informal contexts, such as spoken language or creative writing.
Yes, other onomatopoeic words like 喀 (kā) and 啪 (pā) can convey similar meanings.
