Meanings of 哄
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About 哄
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Podcast: 哄
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AI Study Notes for 哄
哄 (hǒng) vs 逗 (dòu) — use 哄 when referring to coaxing or amusing, especially with children, while 逗 emphasizes teasing or playfully provoking.
Imagine a crowd of children laughing uproariously. The sound they make, 'hōng', resembles the noise of their giggles and the chaos around them. Visualize a parent coaxing a child with playful antics, making them laugh even louder, just like the uproar of a joyful gathering.
Be cautious with the tone, as 'hōng' can refer to both coaxing and uproar, which may lead to confusion. It's typically used in informal settings, especially when discussing interactions with children or lively situations. Common collocations include '哄孩子' (hōng háizi - to coax a child) and '哄笑' (hōng xiào - to roar with laughter).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 哄 connects with other words related to emotions and actions such as 笑 (xiào - to laugh) and 哭 (kū - to cry). Focus on understanding its dual meanings of coaxing and uproar, and practice using it in different contexts for better retention.
In Chinese culture, the act of 哄 (hōng) children is often seen as a vital skill for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and playful interaction in child-rearing practices.
Learners often confuse 哄 with 鬨 (hòng), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我哄骗他' (wǒ hǒng piàn tā) instead of '我哄他' (wǒ hōng tā) when intending to say 'I coax him' can change the meaning to 'I deceive him'.
Pronunciation of 哄
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Etymology of 哄
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 共 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鬨.
mouth
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 哄
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Grammar Patterns of 哄
哄 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 12 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.
Complete the Sentence
一小群小青年没走，在起____、叫骂。
A small group of youths stayed behind to heckle and shout abuse.
Example Sentences for 哄 (10)
Cultural Notes for 哄
In Chinese culture, the act of 哄 (hōng) children is often seen as a vital skill for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and playful interaction in child-rearing practices.
Word Family of 哄
Compound Meaning
What does 哄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 哄
While 哄 (hōng) primarily means to coax or amuse, 哄骗 (hōng piàn) means to deceive or trick someone. The latter has a more negative connotation.