Meanings of 咿
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 咿
Podcast: 咿
Podcast: 咿
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 咿
While 咿 is not frequently used in modern language, it can appear in poetic contexts or as a playful expression. Be cautious with the tone, as mispronouncing it (e.g., using a second tone) can change its meaning. It’s typically used in informal settings.
Since 咿 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on understanding its sound and context if they encounter it in literature. It can also help refine their pronunciation of similar sounds in Mandarin.
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 咿 with a different tone, such as the second tone, which alters its meaning. Another common error is using it in formal situations where a more standard expression would be appropriate.
Pronunciation of 咿
Drill the tone of 咿 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 咿
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 伊 represents the sound. Simplified form of 吚.
mouth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 咿
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 伊 represents the sound. Simplified form of 吚.
- 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half伊 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 咿? 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 咿?
Decomposition of 咿
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 咿?
How to say a creaking sound; to laugh in Chinese
“a creaking sound; to laugh” in Chinese is咿
The character 咿 (yī) represents a creaking sound, often associated with the noise made by doors or floorboards. It can also convey a sense of laughter or amusement, reflecting a playful or light-hearted context. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation but can appear in literary or poetic expressions.
When to use 咿
While 咿 is not frequently used in modern language, it can appear in poetic contexts or as a playful expression. Be cautious with the tone, as mispronouncing it (e.g., using a second tone) can change its meaning. It’s typically used in informal settings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 咿 with a different tone, such as the second tone, which alters its meaning. Another common error is using it in formal situations where a more standard expression would be appropriate.
Write 咿
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 咿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 咿
咿 functions as an onomatopoeic word — it imitates a sound. It often functions as an adverbial or stand-alone exclamation rather than a true verb or noun. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
婴孩们一边玩一边____咿呀呀地学说话.
The babies babbled as they played.
Example Sentences for 咿 (1)
Word Family of 咿
Compound Meaning
What does 咿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 咿
It primarily means a creaking sound or can express laughter.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 咿?
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.