哭

• Pinyin: kū
• Hanzi breakdown: 哭 = two 口 (mouth) on top + 犬 (dog) — originally depicting a person wailing

Meaning

To cry; to weep. The act of shedding tears, typically from sadness, pain, or strong emotion.

Can describe crying from sadness, frustration, happiness, or physical pain. Commonly paired with 笑 (laugh) as opposites. Used in many expressions and idioms.

Examples

1. 小孩子在哭。 The child is crying.
2. 她看电影的时候哭了。 She cried while watching the movie.
3. 别哭了，没事的。 Don't cry — it's okay.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, everyday

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 别哭了。(Don't cry anymore.)
• 她哭得很伤心。(She cried very sadly.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'他哭了眼泪' (Don't say 哭了眼泪 — say 他流了眼泪 for shedding tears, or just 他哭了 for crying)

Origin & History

An ancient character with two 口 (mouth) components on top and 犬 (dog) below, originally depicting a person wailing loudly.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal