Definitions

gěng to choke with emotion; to choke on a piece of food

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character '哽' is structured with the mouth radical '口' on the left and the component '更' on the right, where the latter primarily offers phonetic indication while subtly contributing to the notion of a change or interruption in vocal sound. Etymologically, this composition conveys the idea of a blockage in the throat that hinders speech or swallowing, anchoring its meaning in physical sensation. Over centuries, its usage evolved from strictly describing literal choking on objects to encompassing metaphorical instances where strong emotions, such as sorrow or joy, constrict the voice and cause speech to falter, thus reflecting a semantic expansion from tangible bodily reactions to abstract affective states without departing from its original conceptual foundation.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

咽着说不出话。

Tā gěngyè zhe shuō bù chū huà.

She choked up and couldn't speak.

他因激动而声音咽。

Tā yīn jīdòng ér shēngyīn gěngyè.

His voice choked with excitement.

看到这一幕,他咽了。

Kàn dào zhè yī mù, tā gěngyè le.

Seeing this scene, he choked up.

悲伤的情绪让她咽。

Bēishāng de qíngxù ràng tā gěngyè.

Sad emotions made her choke up.

咽着讲述悲惨的故事。

Tā gěngyè zhe jiǎngshù bēicǎn de gùshi.

He choked up while telling the tragic story.

尽管努力克制,她还是咽了。

Jǐnguǎn nǔlì kèzhì, tā háishì gěngyè le.

Despite trying to restrain herself, she still choked up.

在颁奖典礼上,他咽着感谢所有人。

Zài bānjiǎng diǎnlǐ shàng, tā gěngyè zhe gǎnxiè suǒyǒu rén.

At the award ceremony, he choked up while thanking everyone.

听到那个消息,她咽得无法继续说话。

Tīng dào nàgè xiāoxi, tā gěngyè dé wúfǎ jìxù shuōhuà.

Upon hearing that news, she choked up and couldn't continue speaking.