喃 (nán) - murmur & mutter

喃Tone 2

nán ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

娜楠

喃 · nán

murmur;

mutter;

mumble;

specifically refers to chanting or reciting in a low voice, often used in Buddhist or religious contexts;

also appears in the term 'Nanman' referring to southern ethnic groups.

murmurmuttermumble

Usage highlights

murmur to oneselfmutter incessantlychant scripturesmumble in sleepsouthern barbariansmurmur prayers

Synonyms

  • 呢喃— murmur; whisper (often of birds or soft speech)
  • 低语— whisper; speak in a low voice
  • 细语— speak softly; whisper

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He murmured a prayer (喃喃祈祷).
  • The monk chanted scriptures (喃喃诵经).
  • She mumbled in her sleep (喃喃梦呓).
  • Southern barbarians in ancient texts (南蛮).

Collocations

  • murmur to oneself(喃喃自语)
  • mutter incessantly(喃喃不休)
  • chant scriptures(喃喃诵经)
  • mumble in sleep(喃喃梦呓)
  • southern barbarians(南蛮)
  • murmur prayers(喃喃祈祷)

Idioms

  • Muttering to oneself(喃喃自语)
  • Southern barbarians(南蛮)
  • Chanting scriptures continuously(喃喃不休)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the murmuring sound of chanting, especially in Buddhist and religious contexts.
  • Used historically in 'Nanman' to describe southern ethnic groups, though this usage is now archaic and considered derogatory.
  • Commonly appears in literary descriptions of characters talking to themselves or chanting prayers.

FAQ