About
The character "霍" is structured with the semantic component "雨" meaning rain positioned above "隹" meaning bird, a composition that initially suggested the sound or visual effect of birds swiftly moving through rain, thereby conveying a sense of rapidity or suddenness. This etymological foundation informed its early use to denote quick actions or events, which solidified into the core meanings of "suddenly" or "quickly" in literary and common language. Its application extended into formations such as "霍乱", a term for cholera adopted from the concept of violent and abrupt onset, and "霍然", used to describe something happening abruptly. The traditional form of the character, which remains unchanged in structure, continues to employ these components, and while its usage has specialized in certain compounds, its central association with swiftness has persisted through historical texts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
霍乱传播得很快。
他霍然站了起来。
他霍霍地磨着刀。
霍金是著名的科学家。
霍地一声，他跳了起来。
夜空中霍闪了一道光。
预防霍乱需要清洁的水源。
霍然醒悟后，他决定改变生活方式。