謔 (xuè) - To joke & to banter

謔Tone 4

xuè ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

謔 · xuè

To joke;

to banter;

to jest;

to make fun of in a playful or teasing manner.

To joketo banterto jest

Usage highlights

To joke and banterTeasing wordsPlayful ridiculeHumorous and jestingTo tease and jokeLighthearted jest

Synonyms

  • 戏— to play; to jest
  • 嘲— to ridicule; to mock
  • 谐— humorous; jesting

Antonyms

  • 庄— serious; solemn
  • 严— stern; strict

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He likes to joke around with his friends (与朋友戏谑).
  • Her teasing remarks were all in good fun (她的谑语都是善意的).
  • They engaged in playful banter (他们互相调谑).
  • A humorous and jesting style (诙谐戏谑的风格).

Collocations

  • To joke and banter(戏谑)
  • Teasing words(谑语)
  • Playful ridicule(嘲谑)
  • Humorous and jesting(谐谑)
  • To tease and joke(调谑)
  • Lighthearted jest(笑谑)

Idioms

  • Treating a serious matter as a joke(谑而近虐)
  • Playful words and light laughter(谑浪笑敖)
  • Jesting and teasing without restraint(谑而不虐)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '谑' represents a form of social interaction that is playful but should ideally remain within bounds of propriety.
  • Classical texts, such as the Book of Songs, discuss the concept of '谑而不虐' (jesting without being cruel), emphasizing the importance of good-natured humor.
  • While valued for building rapport, excessive or mean-spirited '谑' was historically frowned upon.

FAQ