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嗯 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
嗯ēn(a groaning sound)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ēn(nonverbal grunt as interjection)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ēnOK, yeahHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ēnwhat?HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ēninterjection indicating approval, appreciation or agreementHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ēninterjection indicating agreement or appreciationHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯èn(a groaning sound)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯èn(nonverbal grunt as interjection)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ènOK, yeahHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ènwhat?HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯èninterjection indicating approval, appreciation or agreementHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯èninterjection indicating agreement or appreciationHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯en(a groaning sound)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯en(nonverbal grunt as interjection)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯enOK, yeahHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯enwhat?HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯eninterjection indicating approval, appreciation or agreementHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯eninterjection indicating agreement or appreciationHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ǹg(a groaning sound)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ǹg(nonverbal grunt as interjection)HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ǹgOK, yeahHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ǹgwhat?HSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ǹginterjection indicating approval, appreciation or agreementHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
嗯ǹginterjection indicating agreement or appreciationHSK 4, e, 13 strokes, radical 口, rank #128, Medium
ēn(en1)
primary
 T1
  1. 1(a groaning sound)
  2. 2(nonverbal grunt as interjection)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

嗯ēn(en1)

The character 嗯 (ēn) is an interjection often used to indicate agreement, approval, or appreciation in conversation. It can also serve as a nonverbal grunting sound to express acknowledgment or contemplation, similar to saying 'uh-huh' in English. This character is commonly used in informal settings and can convey various shades of meaning depending on tone and context.

Strokes13Radical口Frequency#128DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, using 嗯 during conversations reflects attentiveness and engagement. It is common in dialogues, showing that the speaker is actively listening and processing what is being said, which is an important aspect of respectful communication.

Memory Tip

Imagine a friend nodding and saying '嗯' while they ponder over a difficult question. The character 嗯 resembles a mouth making a thoughtful sound, and the pronunciation 'ēn' can be remembered by thinking of the sound one makes when they are deep in thought, echoing 'Mmm'.

Meanings of 嗯

ēn(en1)
primary
1(a groaning sound)
2(nonverbal grunt as interjection)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 嗯

嗯Simplified
13Strokes
口Radical
叹词tàncíinterjection (interj.)Part of Speech
#128Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 嗯

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Podcast: 嗯

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 嗯

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 嗯 with other interjections like '好' (hǎo) or '对' (duì), which are more formal. Use 嗯 in casual conversations to agree or show understanding, but avoid overusing it in written communication. Be mindful of the tone; a drawn-out 'ēn' can suggest hesitation, while a quick '嗯' indicates prompt agreement.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 嗯 connects well with other conversational phrases and interjections. Focus on using it in dialogue practice to enhance fluency in everyday interactions. Recognizing its nuances will help improve comprehension and responsiveness in conversations.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes forget to adjust their tone with 嗯, leading to confusion about meaning. For example, saying '嗯' too quickly can make it sound dismissive, whereas a slower 'ēn' indicates thoughtful agreement. Avoid using it excessively, as it can disrupt the flow of conversation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 嗯

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Etymology of 嗯

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 恩 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

mouth

Semantic (meaning)口
+
Phonetic (sound)恩
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 嗯

Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 恩 represents the sound.

  1. 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half恩 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymouth
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 嗯? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 嗯?

Decomposition of 嗯

IDS Structure⿰口恩
嗯Full Character
=
口kou3
left
恩en1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 嗯?

How to say (a groaning sound) in Chinese

“(a groaning sound)” in Chinese is嗯ēn

The character 嗯 (ēn) is an interjection often used to indicate agreement, approval, or appreciation in conversation. It can also serve as a nonverbal grunting sound to express acknowledgment or contemplation, similar to saying 'uh-huh' in English. This character is commonly used in informal settings and can convey various shades of meaning depending on tone and context.

When to use 嗯

Learners often confuse 嗯 with other interjections like '好' (hǎo) or '对' (duì), which are more formal. Use 嗯 in casual conversations to agree or show understanding, but avoid overusing it in written communication. Be mindful of the tone; a drawn-out 'ēn' can suggest hesitation, while a quick '嗯' indicates prompt agreement.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes forget to adjust their tone with 嗯, leading to confusion about meaning. For example, saying '嗯' too quickly can make it sound dismissive, whereas a slower 'ēn' indicates thoughtful agreement. Avoid using it excessively, as it can disrupt the flow of conversation.

Write 嗯

嗯

Practice writing 嗯 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 嗯

嗯 functions as an interjection — a standalone exclamation. It typically opens the sentence (啊！哎呀！) and is set off by a pause or comma. It carries 6 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 5

Complete the Sentence

____，插一句，我那时正在努力戒烟。

Well, parenthetically, I was trying to quit smoking at the time.

Usage Notes for 嗯

Misuse of 嗯Common Error

Learners may overuse 嗯 in formal contexts where a more explicit expression of agreement or acknowledgment is preferred.

1

在正式会议上，避免只用‘嗯’来回应。

In formal meetings, avoid only using '嗯' to respond.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

在正式会议上，避免只用‘____’来回应。

In formal meetings, avoid only using '嗯' to respond.

Example Sentences for 嗯 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
嗯，插一句，我那时正在努力戒烟。

ňg， ， chā yī， jù ， wǒ nà shí zhèng zài nǔ lì。

Well, parenthetically, I was trying to quit smoking at the time.
2
“嗯，”他承认道，“我有时候说话的确有点吐字不清。”

“ “，” ňg ，” tā chéng，“ rèn dào ，“ wǒ yǒu shí hòu shuō huà de què yǒu diǎn tǔ。”

"Well," he conceded, "I do sometimes mumble a bit."
3
这首曲子有，嗯，大约半个小时那么长，对吗？

zhè shǒu qū zǐ yǒu， ，， ňg ， dà yuē bàn gè xiǎo shí nà， mó cháng？

This piece is, what, about a half an hour long?
4
嗯，我觉得那很棒。你们俩呢？

ňg， ， wǒ jué dé nà hěn。 bàng 。 nǐ mén？

Well, I enjoyed that. How about you two?
5
嗯，很抱歉，我以为你是法国人。

ňg， ， hěn bào， qiàn ， wǒ yǐ wéi nǐ shì fǎ。

Hum, I am sorry but I thought you were French.
6
嗯，对了，显然我们的一些听众可能会有些想法。

ňg， ， duì， le ， xiǎn rán wǒ mén de yī xiē tīng zhòng kě néng huì yǒu xiē。

Now, erm, obviously some of our listeners may have some ideas.
7
嗯，实际上这需要花不少的工夫，做点研究。

ňg， ， shí jì shàng zhè xū yào huā bù shǎo de gōng， fū ， zuò diǎn。

Well, actually it requires quite a bit of work and research.
8
嗯，或者你到我们家来见我们如何？

ňg， ， huò zhě nǐ dào wǒ mén jiā lái jiàn wǒ mén rú？

Well, perhaps you'll come and see us at our place?
9
“嗯，”她困恹恹地回答道。

“ “，” ňg ，” tā kùn yān yān dì huí。

"Mm," she answered drowsily.
10
“嗯，那你为什么不问我呢？”他最后问道。

“ “， ňg ， nà nǐ wéi shí mó bù wèn？” wǒ ne ？” tā zuì。

"Well, why don't you ask me?" he said finally.

Cultural Notes for 嗯

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, similar interjections such as 'uh-huh' or 'mm-hmm' serve the same purpose, but may not carry the same weight of attentiveness as in Chinese conversations.

Word Family of 嗯

Words Containing This Character1
嗯ēnwhat?
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 嗯 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 嗯

Generally, 嗯 is considered informal and is best used in casual conversations among friends or peers. In formal situations, it may be more appropriate to respond with complete sentences to convey respect and professionalism. However, if you're in a relaxed environment, using 嗯 can help create a friendly atmosphere.

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