欷 (xī) - To sob & to sigh

欷Tone 1

xī ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

欷 · xī

To sob;

to sigh;

the sound of sighing or sobbing, often used in classical Chinese to express sorrow or lamentation.

To sobto sighthe sound of sighing or sobbing, often used

Usage highlights

Sobbing and sighingSigh with sorrowThe sound of sobbingLament and sighTears and sobsSigh with emotion

Synonyms

  • 歔— To sob; to sigh (often paired with 欷)
  • 泣— To weep
  • 叹— To sigh

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He sighed with sorrow (欷歔叹息).
  • The sound of sobbing could be heard (传来欷歔之声).
  • She wept with grief (悲泣欷歔).

Collocations

  • Sobbing and sighing(欷歔)
  • Sigh with sorrow(悲欷)
  • The sound of sobbing(欷声)
  • Lament and sigh(感欷)
  • Tears and sobs(涕欷)
  • Sigh with emotion(慨欷)

Idioms

  • Sobbing and sighing(欷歔不已)
  • Sighing with emotion(感喟欷歔)
  • Tears and lamentations(涕泗欷歔)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Primarily appears in classical Chinese literature and poetry to convey deep sorrow or lament.
  • Often used in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday speech.
  • The character carries a classical, somewhat archaic feeling in modern usage.

FAQ