Definitions
Etymology
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 夭 represents the sound.
About
笑 (xiào) is an associative compound for joyful expressions like laughing and smiling. Its structure combines the semantic radical 竹 (zhú, bamboo) on top with 夭 (yāo, young or bending) below. The pairing evokes the image of bamboo bending in the wind, metaphorically compared to a person's body swaying with genuine laughter. The primary meaning covers all outward expressions of amusement, such as smiling and chuckling. It also developed secondary meanings of ridicule or mocking, showing how laughter can convey both joy and derision.
Example Sentences Hide
我笑得很开心。
孩子们笑声不断。
她微笑着打招呼。
这个故事真可笑。
他讲笑话逗我们笑。
他的表演让全场大笑。
面对困难，他苦笑了一下。
她的笑容温暖了我的心。