Meanings of 呱
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About 呱
Podcast: 呱
Podcast: 呱
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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
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Etymology of 呱
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 瓜 represents the sound.
mouth
Origin
呱 = 口 + 瓜. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 呱
Parts
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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.
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Word Family of 呱
Words with 呱
What does 呱呱 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.
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