聶 (niè) - To whisper & a Chinese surname

聶Tone 4

niè ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

念柠

聶 · niè

To whisper;

a Chinese surname;

also used to describe something stealthy or quiet.

To whispera Chinese surnamealso used to describe something stealthy or quiet.

Usage highlights

WhisperingSurname NieStealthy approachQuiet soundNie RongzhenNie Haisheng

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He whispered a secret (聂声耳语).
  • The surname Nie is common in some regions (聂姓).
  • They approached with stealthy footsteps (聂足而行).
  • The leaves rustled softly in the wind (聂聂作响).

Collocations

  • Whispering(聂语)
  • Surname Nie(聂姓)
  • Stealthy approach(聂足)
  • Quiet sound(聂声)
  • Nie Rongzhen(聂荣臻)
  • Nie Haisheng(聂海胜)

Idioms

  • Whispering secretly(聂耳私语)
  • Walking on tiptoe(聂足潜行)
  • Speaking in hushed tones(聂声细语)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted three ears listening closely, representing whispering or attentive listening.
  • As a surname, it ranks around 300th in common Chinese surnames with notable historical figures.
  • The character carries connotations of discretion, secrecy, and careful attention.

FAQ