About
The character 呵 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component 口 (mouth) indicates an action involving breath or voice, while the phonetic component 可 provides the pronunciation. Originally, it referred to the physical act of exhaling, as when warming one's hands or blowing on something. This core meaning of producing breath and sound extended to encompass scolding or berating someone loudly. It also came to represent the sound of laughter or sighing. In modern usage, it often functions as an onomatopoeia or modal particle to convey amusement or a casual tone.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他呵呵地笑了。
妈妈呵护着孩子。
别呵斥小孩子。
呵呵，这真有趣。
他呵了一口气在玻璃上。
她小心翼翼地呵护着花园。
父亲呵斥了他的不负责任。
在寒冷的早晨，他呵出白雾。