Meanings of 呱
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 呱
Podcast: 呱
Podcast: 呱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 呱
While 呱 is often used informally, learners should be cautious about using it in formal settings, as it can imply childishness or immaturity. It is commonly collocated with verbs like 'cry' or 'shout.' Be aware that using it to describe adult emotions can come off as disrespectful or flippant.
Although not in the official HSK vocabulary, understanding 呱 can enhance your comprehension of onomatopoeic expressions in Mandarin. Focus on its sound-related meanings as they relate to other HSK words about emotions or sounds, such as 哭 (kū - to cry) and 吼 (hǒu - to roar).
Learners often confuse 呱 with similar sounds like 哭 (kū), which means to cry more generally. For example, saying '我在呱' (wǒ zài gū) instead of '我在哭' (wǒ zài kū) could lead to confusion about the nature of the crying.
Pronunciation of 呱
Drill the tone of 呱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 呱
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 瓜 represents the sound.
mouth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 呱
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 瓜 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half瓜 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymouth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 呱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 呱?
Decomposition of 呱
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 呱?
How to say to wail, to cry; to swear at in Chinese
“to wail, to cry; to swear at” in Chinese is呱
The character 呱 (gū) primarily refers to the sound of a child crying or wailing, often used to describe a loud, sharp noise. It can also imply swearing or yelling, particularly in emotional contexts. This word is commonly used in informal settings, especially when discussing children or expressing frustration.
When to use 呱
While 呱 is often used informally, learners should be cautious about using it in formal settings, as it can imply childishness or immaturity. It is commonly collocated with verbs like 'cry' or 'shout.' Be aware that using it to describe adult emotions can come off as disrespectful or flippant.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 呱 with similar sounds like 哭 (kū), which means to cry more generally. For example, saying '我在呱' (wǒ zài gū) instead of '我在哭' (wǒ zài kū) could lead to confusion about the nature of the crying.
Write 呱
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 呱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 呱
Compound Meaning
What does 呱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 呱
It is mainly used to describe the sound of a child crying or to express emotional reactions like yelling.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 呱?
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.