About
噩 (è) is a symmetrical ideogram originally depicting a startling noise, later extending to mean something ominous or disastrous. Structurally, it comprises four 口 (kǒu, mouth) components arranged around a central axis that resembles 王 (wáng) with added strokes, etymologically interpreted as voices surrounding a core, evoking loud, chaotic sounds from all directions. This visual arrangement conveys the notion of multiple outcries associated with sudden shock or bad tidings. Over time, the character’s meaning shifted from literal startling noises to abstract concepts of misfortune or dread, as seen in the compound for “nightmare,” while its complex geometric form remained unchanged.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我经常做噩梦。
他昨晚被噩梦惊醒了。
这个消息简直是噩耗。
噩耗传来，大家都很悲伤。
噩运似乎一直伴随着他。
听到噩耗时，她忍不住哭了。
连续几天的噩梦让他精神不振。
尽管噩兆不断，他们仍决定继续前进。