Definitions

xiū call out; jeer

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound: the radical (mouth) indicates vocal sounds, while the component (rest) provides the pronunciation. Its original meanings cover panting, heavy breathing, groaning, and other indistinct noises, typically resulting from physical exertion or distress. The character also carries a distinct sense of a cacophony of voices, shouting or jeering, as when a crowd tries to distract or mock an individual.