Meanings of 欷
By ear
Play it, then pick what 欷 means.
About 欷
Podcast: 欷
Podcast: 欷
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 欷
叹 (tàn, to sigh) — use 欷 for a more emotional or poetic context, while 叹 is more general.
When using 欷, it's important to consider the emotional tone of your sentence; it is more suitable for formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversations. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to the context in which you use it.
Although 欷 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to other emotional expressions such as 哭 (kū, to cry) and 呜 (wū, to wail). Focus on the emotional connotation and usage in poetry or songs to enrich your vocabulary at this level.
Learners often confuse 欷 with other characters that express sorrow, like 哭 (kū). For example, saying '我很 欷' instead of '我很 哭' can lead to misunderstandings since 欷 implies a more poetic tone.
Pronunciation of 欷
Drill the tone of 欷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 欷 to You
Let me explain 欷 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 欷 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 欷
yawn
Origin
欷 = 欠 + 希. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 欷
Parts
Which of these is part of 欷?
How to say to sigh; to sob in Chinese
“to sigh; to sob” in Chinese is欷
The character 欷 (xī) means to sigh or sob, conveying a sense of deep emotion or sadness. It is often used to express feelings of lament or sorrow, typically in a poetic or literary context. You might encounter this character in songs, literature, or conversations that involve discussing grief or longing.
When to use 欷
When using 欷, it's important to consider the emotional tone of your sentence; it is more suitable for formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversations. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to the context in which you use it.
欷 or something close to it
叹 (tàn, to sigh) — use 欷 for a more emotional or poetic context, while 叹 is more general.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 欷 with other characters that express sorrow, like 哭 (kū). For example, saying '我很 欷' instead of '我很 哭' can lead to misunderstandings since 欷 implies a more poetic tone.
Write 欷
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 欷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 欷?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 欷
Frequently Asked Questions about 欷
It's best reserved for literary or poetic contexts due to its emotional weight.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 欷?
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.