痛哭

tòngkū

verb #15,914

Meanings

HSK 5

听到消息后，她忍不住痛哭起来。

Tīngdào xiāoxi hòu, tā rěnbuzhù tòngkū qǐlái.

After hearing the news, she couldn't help but burst into bitter tears.

HSK 7-9

他痛哭流涕地请求原谅。

Tā tòngkū-liútì de qǐngqiú yuánliàng.

He begged for forgiveness with tears streaming down his face.

usage

Often extended to 痛哭流涕 (to cry until tears and snot flow) for emphasis. Stronger than 哭 alone - implies deep grief or anguish, not just tears.

痛 tòng

哭 kū