chǎo HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

外面太吵了,我睡不着。
Wàimiàn tài chǎo le, wǒ shuì bù zháo.
It's too noisy outside, I can't sleep.
他们经常为小事吵。
Tāmen jīngcháng wèi xiǎoshì chǎo.
They often quarrel over small things.
别吵了,我们需要安静。
Bié chǎo le, wǒmen xūyào ānjìng.
Stop making noise, we need quiet.
别吵了!
Bié chǎo le!
Stop arguing!
他们经常吵。
Tāmen jīngcháng chǎo.
They often quarrel.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of the character 吵: it combines 口 (kǒu, mouth) and 少 (shǎo, few/small), suggesting 'too many mouths making noise' or 'a little mouth causing trouble.' Associate it with scenes like a crowded market or an argument.

📝 Usage Notes

吵 is used in both spoken and written Chinese, in informal to neutral contexts. It commonly describes noisy environments (e.g., construction, crowds) or interpersonal arguments. In formal writing, alternatives like 喧闹 (xuānnào) for noise or 争吵 (zhēngchǎo) for arguing might be preferred.

📖 Grammar Points

吵 can be used as a transitive verb (e.g., 吵人 - to disturb someone) or intransitively (e.g., 别吵 - don't make noise). It often appears with resultative complements like 得 (de) to describe effects, as in the example sentence.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, avoiding unnecessary noise is valued as a sign of consideration, especially in residential areas. 吵 might be used to comment on socially disruptive behavior, reflecting norms around harmony and quiet.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 闹 (nào), which means 'to be lively' or 'to make a disturbance,' 吵 focuses more on noise or verbal conflict. Unlike 响 (xiǎng), meaning 'to make a sound' neutrally, 吵 implies annoyance or disruption.

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