哭 — meaning in English: cry

kū · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for cry

委托

wěituō

温度

wēndù

了解

liǎojiě

住宿

zhùsù

哭

kū

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informal very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 哭 (kū) in emotional contexts, such as when expressing sorrow, pain, or frustration. For example, a parent might comfort a child who is crying after a fall, or friends might discuss a sad movie that made them cry.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 嚎 (háo), which implies a more intense or loud cry, often associated with distress. You might choose 哭 (kū) for general crying, but if you want to express extreme sorrow, 嚎 (háo) would be more appropriate.

Culture

The character 哭 (kū) originally depicted a person weeping, with the radical 口 (kǒu), meaning 'mouth,' symbolizing crying out loud. In Chinese culture, crying is often seen as a natural expression of emotions, and it can sometimes be a way to bond or seek comfort from others.

FAQ

Q.What does 哭 (kū) mean in English?

哭 (kū) translates to 'cry' in English, referring to the act of shedding tears or expressing grief.

Q.How do you use 哭 (kū) in a sentence?

You can use 哭 (kū) in sentences like: '她哭了' (Tā kū le), meaning 'She cried,' or '他在哭' (Tā zài kū), meaning 'He is crying.'

Q.Are there different ways to say 'cry' in Mandarin?

Yes, besides 哭 (kū), you can also use 泣 (qì), which suggests sobbing softly. Use 哭 (kū) for general crying and 泣 (qì) for quieter, more subdued expressions of sorrow.

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