喁 (yóng) - To gape & to look up in expectation

喁Tone 2

yóng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

樱咏

喁 · yóng

To gape;

to look up in expectation;

also describes the movement of a fish's mouth out of water.

To gapeto look up in expectationalso describes the movement of a fish's mouth

Usage highlights

Gasping for breathExpectant gazeWhispering intimatelyFish mouths at surfaceEagerly awaiting

Synonyms

  • 仰— to look upward
  • 望— to gaze expectantly
  • 喃— to murmur, whisper

Antonyms

  • 俯— to look downward
  • 垂— to hang down

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The fish were gasping at the surface (喁喁).
  • The crowd looked up expectantly (喁喁仰望).
  • He spoke in a low, earnest voice (喁喁私语).

Collocations

  • Gasping for breath(喁喁)
  • Expectant gaze(喁喁仰望)
  • Whispering intimately(喁喁私语)
  • Fish mouths at surface(喁喁)
  • Eagerly awaiting(喁喁待哺)

Idioms

  • Whispering together intimately(喁喁私语)
  • Looking up with expectation(喁喁仰望)
  • Fish rising to the surface(众喁浮水)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted fish mouths opening at the water's surface.
  • Extended metaphorically to describe people looking up expectantly or speaking in hushed, earnest tones.
  • Often used in classical Chinese literature to create vivid imagery of anticipation or quiet communication.

FAQ