颼 (sōu) - Sough — describes the sound of wind blowing & whistling

颼Tone 1

sōu ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

颼 · sōu

Sough — describes the sound of wind blowing;

whistling;

rustling;

also used metaphorically for something happening quickly or disappearing rapidly.

Sough — describes the sound of wind blowingwhistlingrustling

Usage highlights

Whistling windCold wind soughingWhizzing arrowSwift movementWind soundQuick disappearance

Synonyms

  • 嗖— whizzing sound (similar onomatopoeia)
  • 啸— whistling, howling (of wind)

Antonyms

  • 静— quiet, still (opposite of sound/movement)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The wind whistled through the trees (风颼颼地吹过树林).
  • He ran off like the wind (他一溜烟儿就跑得没影儿了, 颼地一下).
  • A cold gust of wind made me shiver (一阵冷风颼地让我打了个寒颤).
  • The arrow whizzed past my ear (箭颼地从我耳边飞过).

Collocations

  • Whistling wind(颼颼的风)
  • Cold wind soughing(冷风颼颼)
  • Whizzing arrow(颼的箭)
  • Swift movement(颼地一下)
  • Wind sound(风声颼颼)
  • Quick disappearance(颼地不见了)

Idioms

  • The cold wind soughs(冷风颼颼)
  • Whistling through the air(颼颼作响)
  • Gone in a flash(一颼而逝)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical Chinese poetry and literature to depict atmospheric scenes, particularly autumn or winter winds.
  • Frequently appears in onomatopoeic expressions to create vivid auditory imagery.
  • Can convey a sense of speed or sudden movement in modern usage.

FAQ