谐音

諧音

xiéyīn

noun #11,203

Meanings

1 homophone
2 homonym
3 harmonic (in acoustics)

Characters

harmonious; in agreement

Examples

HSK 4

中国人过年不送钟，因为"送钟"和"送终"是谐音。

Zhōngguórén guònián bù sòng zhōng, yīnwèi " sòng zhōng " hé " sòng zhōng " shì xiéyīn.

Chinese people don't give clocks as gifts for New Year, because 'giving a clock' sounds the same as 'attending a funeral.'

HSK 7-9

很多网络用语都是谐音梗。

Hěnduō wǎngluò yòngyǔ dōu shì xiéyīn gěng.

A lot of internet slang is based on homophones.

Tips

culture

Homophones are deeply important in Chinese culture. The number 8 (八) is lucky because it sounds like 发 (to prosper). The number 4 (四) is avoided because it sounds like 死 (death). Many taboos and traditions revolve around 谐音.

Stroke Order

谐 xié

音 yīn