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March 24, 2026
噓xū(xu1)
The character 噓 (xū) primarily means to blow or exhale softly, often producing a hissing sound. It is commonly used in contexts where one is asked to be quiet or to express a gentle reprimand, as well as in situations of praise or admiration, such as 'hissing' in approval.
Strokes15Radical口Frequency#35993DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of hushing someone is often associated with respect for quietness, especially in settings like libraries or during performances. The character captures the essence of maintaining silence in communal spaces.
Memory Tip
Imagine a quiet night where you want to make a soft sound to hush a friend. The sound 'xū' resembles the soft hissing of air escaping, similar to a gentle 'shh'. Visualize a snake hissing to convey silence or approval.
Meanings of 噓
xū(xu1)
1to blow, to exhale, to hiss, to sigh; to praise
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About 噓
噓Simplified
15Strokes
口Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 噓
Podcast: 噓
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AI Study Notes for 噓
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a quiet night where you want to make a soft sound to hush a friend. The sound 'xū' resembles the soft hissing of air escaping, similar to a gentle 'shh'. Visualize a snake hissing to convey silence or approval.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 噓 with similar-sounding characters or assume it can be used in more formal contexts. It is mainly informal and should be used in casual conversations. Common collocations include 噓声 (xū shēng - hush sound) and 噓赞 (xū zàn - to praise quietly).
HSK Study Tips
Although 噓 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with HSK Level 2 words related to actions and sounds. Students should focus on pronunciation and the subtle differences in usage compared to more formal expressions of admiration or reprimand.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of hushing someone is often associated with respect for quietness, especially in settings like libraries or during performances. The character captures the essence of maintaining silence in communal spaces.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 噓 in formal settings, thinking it can replace more polite terms for asking someone to be quiet. For example, saying '噓' in a business meeting can be inappropriate; instead, use '请安静' (qǐng ān jìng - please be quiet).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 噓
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Cultural Notes for 噓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of hushing someone is often associated with respect for quietness, especially in settings like libraries or during performances. The character captures the essence of maintaining silence in communal spaces.
Word Family of 噓
Words Containing This Character8
嘘xūto hiss噓
吹嘘to brag吹噓
唏嘘to sob唏噓
嘘声hissing sound噓聲
嘘寒问暖to pamper噓寒問暖
嘘嘘to pee pee (kiddie or feminine slang)噓噓
自我吹嘘to blow one's own horn (idiom)自我吹噓
喘嘘嘘to puff and blow喘噓噓
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 嘘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 噓
In social contexts, 噓 is often used to ask someone to be quiet, demonstrating a desire for calmness or attention.
Yes, 噓 can also imply a soft form of praise, similar to applauding quietly.
噓 is generally considered informal and is best used in casual conversations.
