Definitions

(phonetic)
lo (final particle similar to 了[le], indicating that sth is obvious)
luò to cough up; also pr. [kǎ]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Formed as a phonetic compound combining the mouth radical 口, which signals its association with sounds produced orally, and the component 各, which primarily offers phonetic cues, the character 咯 historically served to denote specific vocalizations such as coughing or the sound of laughter. Its application gradually extended beyond direct onomatopoeia to acquire grammatical functions, notably as a sentence-final particle that imparts a particular tone or emphasis to utterances. The character’s structure has persisted without alteration, and its varied pronunciations, including gē and luò, correspond to distinct contextual meanings that have emerged through linguistic adaptation, marking a transition from purely imitative uses to more integrated roles in both colloquial and written expression.

Example Sentences Hide

我要回家

wǒ yào huí jiā lo.

I'm going home now.

他已经吃饭

tā yǐjīng chī fàn lo.

He has already eaten.

天气变好

tiānqì biàn hǎo lo.

The weather has turned fine.

我做完作业

wǒ zuò wán zuòyè lo.

I have finished my homework.

地笑起来。

tā gē gē de xiào qǐlái.

She giggled.

既然你这么说我就走

jìrán nǐ zhème shuō wǒ jiù zǒu lo.

Since you say so, I'll leave then.

你要记得关门

nǐ yào jìde guān mén lo.

You should remember to close the door.

如果下雨比赛就取消

rúguǒ xià yǔ bǐsài jiù qǔxiāo lo.

If it rains, the match will be cancelled.