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March 24, 2026
噎yē(ye1)
The character 噎 (yē) primarily refers to the act of choking or suffocating, often due to obstructed breathing or food lodged in the throat. It can also describe the physical response of hiccups or situations where someone is emotionally overwhelmed, leading to a figurative 'choking up.' This word is commonly used in contexts related to health or emotional expression.
Strokes15Radical口Frequency#11461DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, choking is often seen as a sign of an imbalance in the body's qi, reflecting a broader cultural understanding of health that emphasizes harmony and balance.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone trying to swallow a huge piece of food that gets stuck in their throat, making them go 'yē!' The character 噎 looks like a person with a mouth open wide (口) in distress, emphasizing the choking aspect. The '噎' sounds like 'eh!' which is the sound someone might make when choking.
Meanings of 噎
yē(ye1)
1to choke; to hiccup
2to choke (on)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 噎
噎Simplified
15Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 噎
Podcast: 噎
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AI Study Notes for 噎
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine someone trying to swallow a huge piece of food that gets stuck in their throat, making them go 'yē!' The character 噎 looks like a person with a mouth open wide (口) in distress, emphasizing the choking aspect. The '噎' sounds like 'eh!' which is the sound someone might make when choking.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone, as 'yē' has a flat, high tone that is distinct from other similar sounds. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be aware that it can sound dramatic in casual conversations. Common collocations include 噎住 (yē zhù - to choke on something) and 噎得 (yē de - to be choked up).
HSK Study Tips
While 噎 is not part of the official HSK levels, it can be relevant for learners at HSK 3 or 4 due to its usage in health-related discussions. Focus on recognizing the character in context and practicing its pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, choking is often seen as a sign of an imbalance in the body's qi, reflecting a broader cultural understanding of health that emphasizes harmony and balance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 噎 with other similar-sounding words, such as 叶 (yè - leaf) or 也 (yě - also). It's important to remember the context of choking or suffocating to use 噎 correctly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 噎
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Cultural Notes for 噎
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, choking is often seen as a sign of an imbalance in the body's qi, reflecting a broader cultural understanding of health that emphasizes harmony and balance.
Word Family of 噎
Words Containing This Character6
噎yēto choke (on)
噎住to choke (on)
因噎废食to avoid sth essential because of a slight risk因噎廢食
抽噎to sob
抽抽噎噎to sob and sniffle
哽噎to choke on one's food
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 噎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 噎
It is pronounced as 'yē' with a high-level tone.
Yes, 噎 can describe emotional situations where someone feels overwhelmed or choked up.
A synonym is 窒息 (zhìxī), which also means to suffocate, but it is more formal.
