About
The character "哆" originated as a phono-semantic compound, combining the semantic component "口" (mouth) with the phonetic component "多" which also vaguely suggests multiplicity. Its core meaning historically pertained to the physical act of trembling or shaking, as seen in the traditional form which retains this same structure. Over time, its application became more specifically associated with manifestations related to the mouth, evolving to describe the chattering of teeth from cold or fear, and by extension, to depict stammering or faltering speech. This semantic shift from a general physical tremor to a more specified oral or vocal instability demonstrates how its inherent structure, linking the mouth to a concept of repeated or excessive action, guided its interpretative path in the language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他冷得直哆嗦。
小狗害怕得哆嗦。
听到坏消息，她开始哆嗦。
冬天的时候，我经常哆嗦。
他的声音有点哆嗦。
他不仅手哆嗦，连声音也哆嗦。
在寒风中，他不由自主地哆嗦起来。
尽管他极力控制，但恐惧还是让他全身哆嗦。