Dictionary🇨🇳 Chinese → 🇺🇸 English

谐音

xiéyīn

Description

谐音是指两个字或词的发音一样或者很像。

谐音 refers to two characters or words that have the same or very similar pronunciation.

中国人很喜欢用谐音，比如数字八和“发”声音很像，所以大家都觉得八是好数字。

Chinese people like to use 谐音; for example, the number eight sounds like '发' (prosper), so everyone considers eight a lucky number.

Meanings

谐音xiéyīn

words with the same or similar pronunciation; homophone

这个笑话用了谐音，很有意思。

This joke uses a pun and is very interesting.

谐音xiéyīn

to sound similar to another word

“梨”和“离”谐音，所以送梨不太好。

"Pear" and "leave" are homophones, so giving pears is not very appropriate.

Related words

发音同音读音声音音

Notes

  • Etymology

    谐 (harmonious/in accord) + 音 (sound), i.e. sounds that match.

  • Nuance

    central to Chinese wordplay, lucky/unlucky numbers, and holiday customs.

Links

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