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March 24, 2026
喉hóu(hou2)
The character 喉 (hóu) refers to the throat or larynx, which is the part of the body involved in breathing, swallowing, and speaking. It is commonly used in medical or anatomical contexts, often to describe conditions related to the throat or to specify parts of speech production.
Strokes12Radical口Frequency#9277DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the throat is considered a vital pathway for Qi (energy) and is often referenced in discussions about voice and health, reflecting the importance of communication in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'hoe' (sounds like 'hóu') digging deep into your throat, clearing out anything that might block your voice! The character features '口' (kǒu), which means 'mouth,' emphasizing the connection between the mouth and throat.
Meanings of 喉
hóu(hou2)
1throat
2larynx
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 喉
喉Simplified
12Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9277Frequency Rank
Podcast: 喉
Podcast: 喉
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AI Study Notes for 喉
Quick Contrast
气管 (qìguǎn, trachea) vs 喉 (hóu) — use 喉 when specifically referring to the throat or larynx, while 气管 refers to the windpipe.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'hoe' (sounds like 'hóu') digging deep into your throat, clearing out anything that might block your voice! The character features '口' (kǒu), which means 'mouth,' emphasizing the connection between the mouth and throat.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the pronunciation, as it can be easily confused with similar-sounding words. The word is generally used in neutral contexts, but when discussing health, it may take on a more formal tone. Common collocations include '喉咙' (hóulóng - throat) and '喉音' (hóuyīn - guttural sound).
HSK Study Tips
喉 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, but it connects to other body-related words. Students should focus on pronunciation and recognize its role in discussions about health or anatomy, complementing terms like '头' (tóu - head) and '口' (kǒu - mouth).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the throat is considered a vital pathway for Qi (energy) and is often referenced in discussions about voice and health, reflecting the importance of communication in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 喉 with similar characters like 口 (kǒu), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我痛口' (wǒ tòng kǒu - I have a pain in my mouth) instead of '我痛喉' (wǒ tòng hóu - I have a pain in my throat) shows this error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 喉
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Grammar Patterns of 喉
喉 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他____咙深处有一股金属味儿。
There was a metallic taste at the back of his throat.
Example Sentences for 喉 (10)
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1
他喉咙深处有一股金属味儿。
tā hóu lóng shēn chǔ yǒu yī gǔ jīn shǔ wèi ér。
There was a metallic taste at the back of his throat.
"Yaaaaaaa," Carla let rip with the cry of the Valkyries.
8
他一咳嗽就把卡在喉咙里的鱼刺咳出来了.
tā yī ké sòu jiù bǎ kǎ zài hóu lóng lǐ de yú cì ké chū lái le.
The coughing dislodged the fishbone from his throat.
9
骨鲠在喉,一吐方快.
gǔ gěng zài hóu, , yī tǔ fāng.
I feel suffocated if I don't speak out.
10
他的喉头哽住了, 只是用手轻抚着玛丽的头发.
tā de hóu tóu gěng zhù le, , zhī shì yòng shǒu qīng fǔ zháo mǎ lì de tóu.
His throat was full to choking. He gently stroked her hair.
Cultural Notes for 喉
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the throat is considered a vital pathway for Qi (energy) and is often referenced in discussions about voice and health, reflecting the importance of communication in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 喉
Words Containing This Character15
喉咙hóulóngthroat喉嚨
喉hóuthroat
咽喉yānhóuthroat
喉结Adam's apple喉結
喉头throat喉頭
喉舌mouthpiece
白喉diphtheria
喉炎laryngitis
喉镜laryngoscope喉鏡
如鲠在喉lit. as if having a fish bone stuck in one's throat (idiom)如鯁在喉
喉音guttural sound
鹅喉羚goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) of Xinjiang鵝喉羚
骨鲠在喉sth on one's mind骨鯁在喉
喉塞音glottal stop
喉擦音guttural fricative
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 喉咙 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 喉
It is pronounced as 'hóu' with a rising tone, similar to the English word 'hoe'.
喉 (hóu) refers specifically to the larynx, while 喉咙 (hóulóng) is the more general term for the throat.
Yes, but it is more commonly found in medical contexts or discussions about health.
