Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
嚯huò(huo4)
The character 嚯 (huò) is an onomatopoeic term that mimics a cracking or snapping sound, often used to express admiration or surprise. It can also represent the sound of laughter in certain contexts, conveying a sense of enthusiasm or excitement.
Strokes19Radical口Frequency#14782DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressions of surprise or excitement are often conveyed through sound, making onomatopoeic words like 嚯 an integral part of storytelling and everyday dialogue. These sounds can enhance the emotional depth of conversations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person snapping their fingers to grab your attention, saying 'huò!' The character 嚯 resembles a mouth (口) about to express a sound, combined with the radical for noise or action (口). Picture someone excitedly laughing out loud, emphasizing the joy of the moment.
Meanings of 嚯
huò(huo4)
1a cracking or snapping sound
2(onom.) expressing admiration or surprise
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 嚯
嚯Simplified
19Strokes
口Radical
叹词tàncíinterjection (interj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 嚯
Podcast: 嚯
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 嚯
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person snapping their fingers to grab your attention, saying 'huò!' The character 嚯 resembles a mouth (口) about to express a sound, combined with the radical for noise or action (口). Picture someone excitedly laughing out loud, emphasizing the joy of the moment.
Usage Notes
This character is informal and typically used in spoken language or casual writing. Learners should avoid using 嚯 in formal contexts or written essays. Be cautious with tones; incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 嚯 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it can enhance your understanding of expressive language at the higher levels. Focus on similar onomatopoeic words to enrich your vocabulary and grasp their usage in conversational Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressions of surprise or excitement are often conveyed through sound, making onomatopoeic words like 嚯 an integral part of storytelling and everyday dialogue. These sounds can enhance the emotional depth of conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 嚯 with other similar-sounding words. For example, saying 'huò' in a flat tone instead of a rising tone can lead to miscommunication. Ensure to practice the correct intonation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 嚯
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 嚯 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 嚯 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 嚯
嚯 functions as an interjection — a standalone exclamation. It typically opens the sentence (啊！哎呀！) and is set off by a pause or comma. It carries 3 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 2
Complete the Sentence
你可真及时。____，真是好险呢！
You were just in time. Whew! What a close call.
Example Sentences for 嚯 (1)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
你可真及时。嚯，真是好险呢！
nǐ kě zhēn jí shí。 。， huò ， zhēn shì hǎo！
You were just in time. Whew! What a close call.
Cultural Notes for 嚯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressions of surprise or excitement are often conveyed through sound, making onomatopoeic words like 嚯 an integral part of storytelling and everyday dialogue. These sounds can enhance the emotional depth of conversations.
Word Family of 嚯
Words Containing This Character1
嚯huòsound of a laugh
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 嚯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嚯
No, 嚯 is typically used in casual conversation and should be avoided in formal writing.
Primarily, 嚯 conveys surprise or admiration, but it can also reflect laughter or joy depending on context.
Pronounce it with a rising tone, similar to how you would express surprise.
