Definitions

xiào (verb) laugh; smile

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "笑", meaning to laugh, is structurally composed of the bamboo radical (竹) positioned above the component "夭", with its etymology often attributed to folk interpretations linking bamboo's rustling or bending to laughter, although analytical perspectives suggest "夭" may represent a figure with a tilted head conveying joy. Historically, the character has consistently denoted the physical act of laughing or laughter itself, while its semantic application has expanded over time to encompass associated expressions like smiling, amusement, or mockery.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

得很开心。

Wǒ xiào de hěn kāixīn.

I laugh very happily.

孩子们声不断。

Háizimen xiàoshēng bùduàn.

The children's laughter is continuous.

她微着打招呼。

Tā wēixiào zhe dǎ zhāohu.

She greets with a smile.

这个故事真可

Zhège gùshi zhēn kěxiào.

This story is really funny.

他讲话逗我们

Tā jiǎng xiàohua dòu wǒmen xiào.

He tells jokes to make us laugh.

他的表演让全场大

Tā de biǎoyǎn ràng quánchǎng dàxiào.

His performance made the whole venue laugh.

面对困难,他苦了一下。

Miàn duì kùnnán, tā kǔxiào le yíxià.

Facing difficulties, he smiled wryly.

她的容温暖了我的心。

Tā de xiàoróng wēnnuǎn le wǒ de xīn.

Her smile warmed my heart.