unknown, 12 strokes, radical 口, rank #44610, Very Hard
nán(nan2) T2
1to chatter, to keep talking; to mumble
2mumble in repetition
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
喃nán(nan2)
The character 喃 (nán) primarily means to chatter or mumble, often in a repetitive manner. It is commonly used to describe someone who talks continuously, sometimes without clear purpose. This term can also imply a light or casual way of speaking, often associated with a sense of intimacy or familiarity.
Strokes12Radical口Frequency#44610DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of mumbling or chattering is often seen in casual family settings, where members engage in light-hearted banter. This reflects the value placed on communication and connection within relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chatty parrot that keeps saying 'nan', repeating itself over and over. The character 喃 looks like a person with a mouth (口) chattering endlessly about something, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the chatter.
Meanings of 喃
nán(nan2)
1to chatter, to keep talking; to mumble
2mumble in repetition
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 喃
喃Simplified
12Strokes
口Radical
拟声词onomatopoeia (onom.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 喃
Podcast: 喃
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 喃
Quick Contrast
喃 (nán) vs 嘟 (dū) — use 喃 for casual, repetitive chatter, while 嘟 implies a more playful or childish sound.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chatty parrot that keeps saying 'nan', repeating itself over and over. The character 喃 looks like a person with a mouth (口) chattering endlessly about something, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the chatter.
Usage Notes
喃 is typically used in informal contexts, often describing casual conversations. Be cautious not to confuse it with more formal speech; it carries a tone of lightness. Common collocations include 喃喃自语 (nán nán zì yǔ), meaning to mumble to oneself.
HSK Study Tips
Though 喃 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects with words like 说 (shuō, to speak) and 聊 (liáo, to chat), which are essential for HSK levels 1 and 2. Focus on recognizing its use in compound phrases to enhance your conversational skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of mumbling or chattering is often seen in casual family settings, where members engage in light-hearted banter. This reflects the value placed on communication and connection within relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 喃 by applying it in formal contexts, leading to awkward phrases. For example, saying '在会议上我喃' (I mumbled in the meeting) is incorrect; instead, use a more formal verb like 说 (shuō).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 喃
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 喃 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 喃 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 喃
喃 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. It carries 2 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.
With masters'tender petting and whispering , cats can and feel safe.
Cultural Notes for 喃
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of mumbling or chattering is often seen in casual family settings, where members engage in light-hearted banter. This reflects the value placed on communication and connection within relationships.
Word Family of 喃
Words Containing This Character6
喃喃to mumble
喃nánmumble in repetition
呢喃whispering
喃喃自语to mumble to oneself喃喃自語
呋喃furan (furfuran, used in making nylon) (loanword)
呋喃西林furacilinum (loanword)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 喃喃 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 喃
It means to chatter or mumble, often in a repetitive way.
No, 喃 is generally reserved for informal contexts and casual conversations.
Yes, one common phrase is 喃喃自语, which means to mumble to oneself.
