口哨

• Pinyin: kǒu shào
• Hanzi breakdown: 口 = mouth; 哨 = 口 (mouth) + 肖 (resemble) — whistle

Meaning

Whistle (sound); to whistle. The sound made by pursing lips and blowing, or a physical whistle device.

Can refer to both the act of whistling with your lips and the sound of a whistle device. Common in contexts of signaling, appreciation, or calling attention. In some contexts, whistling at someone can be considered rude.

Examples

1. 他边走边吹口哨，心情看起来不错。 He whistled as he walked — he seemed to be in a good mood.
2. 裁判吹响口哨，比赛正式开始。 The referee blew the whistle and the match officially began.
3. 工地上传来一阵口哨声。 Whistling sounds could be heard from the construction site.

Usage Guide

Context: music, sports, signaling

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 他吹了一声口哨。(He let out a whistle.)
• 我会吹口哨。(I can whistle.)

Don't Say

• 向陌生女性吹口哨。(Don't whistle at women — it's considered harassment in most contexts)

Origin & History

Compound of 口 (mouth) + 哨 (whistle/sentry). Together describes a whistle or whistling sound.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal