吸

• Pinyin: xī
• Hanzi breakdown: 吸 = 口 (mouth) + 及 (reach, phonetic component) — the mouth drawing something in

Meaning

To inhale; to suck; to absorb. Describes the action of drawing in liquid, gas, or other substances.

A versatile verb used for breathing in, sucking through a straw, or absorbing moisture. Often appears in compound words such as 吸收 (absorb), 吸引 (attract), and 吸烟 (smoke). The core meaning centres on drawing something inward.

Examples

1. 他深深地吸了一口气，然后平静地说话了。 He took a deep breath and then spoke calmly.
2. 用吸管吸果汁比直接喝更方便。 Sucking juice through a straw is more convenient than drinking directly.
3. 这种材料能吸大量的水分。 This material can absorb a large amount of moisture.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, science

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请深吸一口气，然后慢慢呼出。(Please take a deep breath in, then breathe out slowly.)
• 这块布能吸很多水。(This cloth can absorb a lot of water.)

Don't Say

• 用吸描述主动推出的动作。(Don't use 吸 for pushing something out — that would be 呼 (exhale) or 吹 (blow); 吸 specifically means to draw inward.)

Origin & History

Single character composed of 口 (mouth) and 及 (reach/extend), suggesting the mouth reaching out to draw in something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal