Meanings of 呸
By ear
Play it, then pick what 呸 means.
About 呸
Podcast: 呸
Podcast: 呸
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 呸
命 (pēi) is typically used in informal situations and can convey strong emotions. Be careful not to use it in formal settings, as it may come across as rude. Common collocations include phrases expressing disdain or rejection, like '呸！你怎么可以这样！' (Pēi! How could you do that!).
While 呸 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for intermediate learners to express emotions vividly. Students should practice using it in context with other expressive words or phrases they’ve learned at this level.
Learners often confuse 呸 with other similar-sounding words. For example, they might mistakenly say 'péi' (which is incorrect) instead of 'pēi.' Always remember that 呸 is pronounced with the first tone.
Pronunciation of 呸
Drill the tone of 呸, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 呸 to you
Let me explain 呸 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 呸 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 呸?
Learning Lab
Knowing 呸 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 呸
mouth
Origin
呸 = 口 + 丕. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 呸
Parts
Which of these is part of 呸?
How to say to spit at in Chinese
“to spit at” in Chinese is呸
The character 呸 (pēi) is an exclamation used to express contempt or disdain, similar to saying 'pah!' or 'bah!' in English. It can also refer to the act of spitting, particularly in a dismissive or scornful manner. This character is often used in informal contexts to show strong feelings of disapproval or disgust.
When to use 呸
命 (pēi) is typically used in informal situations and can convey strong emotions. Be careful not to use it in formal settings, as it may come across as rude. Common collocations include phrases expressing disdain or rejection, like '呸！你怎么可以这样！' (Pēi! How could you do that!).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 呸 with other similar-sounding words. For example, they might mistakenly say 'péi' (which is incorrect) instead of 'pēi.' Always remember that 呸 is pronounced with the first tone.
Write 呸
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 呸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 呸
呸 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 5 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他对着电话____了一声，然后挂断了。
He blows a raspberry down the telephone line and hangs up.
Example sentences for 呸 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 呸?
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 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 呸
Frequently asked questions about 呸
No, 呸 is an informal exclamation used to express contempt.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 呸?
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.