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March 24, 2026
泣qì(qi4)
The character 泣 (qì) means to sob or to cry. It often conveys a deep sense of sorrow or emotional pain, usually expressed through tears. This character is commonly used in both literary and conversational contexts to describe moments of grief or heartfelt emotion.
Strokes8Radical氵Frequency#19962DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, crying can be a significant expression of sorrow during mourning rituals, where expressing grief openly is considered a way to honor the deceased. 泣 often appears in poetry and literature, emphasizing emotional depth.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person by a river (水, which is a component of 泣) weeping softly. The flowing water symbolizes their tears as they sob quietly. The sound 'qì' can be remembered as the sound of someone trying to hold back their sobs, 'quieter than a whisper'.
Meanings of 泣
qì(qi4)
1to sob
2to cry, to sob, to weep
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 泣
泣Simplified
8Strokes
氵Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#19962Frequency Rank
Podcast: 泣
Podcast: 泣
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AI Study Notes for 泣
Quick Contrast
哭 (kū) vs 哭泣 (kūqì) — use 泣 for a more literary or refined expression of crying, while 哭 is more casual and common.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person by a river (水, which is a component of 泣) weeping softly. The flowing water symbolizes their tears as they sob quietly. The sound 'qì' can be remembered as the sound of someone trying to hold back their sobs, 'quieter than a whisper'.
Usage Notes
When using 泣, be aware that it conveys a more profound sadness than just crying (哭, kū). It's often employed in literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. A common collocation is 泣不成声 (qì bù chéng shēng), meaning to sob so much that one cannot speak.
HSK Study Tips
Although 泣 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to other emotional verbs like 哭 (kū) and 哀 (āi), which means to mourn. Focus on the emotional context and nuances when learning similar words to deepen your understanding of expressing feelings in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, crying can be a significant expression of sorrow during mourning rituals, where expressing grief openly is considered a way to honor the deceased. 泣 often appears in poetry and literature, emphasizing emotional depth.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 泣 with 哭 (kū), using them interchangeably. Remember that 泣 is for sobbing (more emotional), while 哭 is a general term for crying. Incorrect: 我泣了很多。 (Wǒ qìle hěnduō.) Correct: 我哭了很多。(Wǒ kūle hěnduō.)
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 泣
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Grammar Patterns of 泣
泣 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
默特尔缩着身子坐在床边哭____。
Myrtle sat huddled on the side of the bed, weeping.
zhēn nī tíng zhǐ le kū qì, , xī le xī bí, zǐ , cā gān le.
When Jenney had stopped crying she sniffed and dried her eyes.
9
“ 唉, " 嘉莉啜泣着. " 唉, 唉 -- 呜 -- 呜. ”
“ “," āi , " jiā lì chuò." qì, zháo-- . "-- āi.”
" Oh,'sobbed Carrie, " oh, oh -- oo -- o! "
10
她拚命憋住了抽泣.
tā pàn mìng biē zhù le chōu qì.
She choked back a little sob.
Cultural Notes for 泣
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, crying can be a significant expression of sorrow during mourning rituals, where expressing grief openly is considered a way to honor the deceased. 泣 often appears in poetry and literature, emphasizing emotional depth.
Word Family of 泣
Words Containing This Character11
哭泣kūqìto weep
泣qìto sob
抽泣to sob spasmodically
啜泣to sob
可歌可泣kěgēkěqìhappy and sad
悲泣to weep with grief
如泣如诉fig. mournful (music or singing)如泣如訴
涕泣to weep
哀泣to wail
垂泣to shed tears
牛衣对泣couple living in destitute misery (idiom)牛衣對泣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 哭泣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 泣
Generally, 泣 is more common in literary contexts than in casual conversation, where 哭 (kū) is preferred.
No, 泣 specifically refers to crying out of sadness or grief, not happiness.
It is pronounced as 'qì', with a falling tone. Ensure to emphasize the tone, as it changes the meaning.
