鬧 (nào) - Noisy, bustling, lively & to make noise or a disturbance

鬧Tone 4

nào ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

鬧 · nào

Noisy, bustling, lively;

to make noise or a disturbance;

to have an argument or quarrel;

to suffer from (an illness);

to go in for;

to engage in.

Noisy, bustling, livelyto make noise or a disturbanceto have an argument or quarrel

Usage highlights

Lively and bustlingMake noiseGo on strikeHave a stomachacheHave a revolutionMake a scene

Synonyms

  • 吵— to make noise; to quarrel
  • 喧— noisy; clamorous
  • 嚷— to shout; to yell

Antonyms

  • 靜— quiet; still
  • 寧— peaceful; tranquil
  • 寂— silent; lonely

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The market is very lively (市場很熱鬧).
  • Don't make noise in the library (別在圖書館吵鬧).
  • The child is having a tantrum (孩子在鬧脾氣).
  • He had a stomachache last night (他昨晚鬧肚子了).

Collocations

  • Lively and bustling(熱鬧)
  • Make noise(吵鬧)
  • Go on strike(鬧罷工)
  • Have a stomachache(鬧肚子)
  • Have a revolution(鬧革命)
  • Make a scene(鬧事)

Idioms

  • A bustling scene of prosperity(熱火朝天)
  • Causing a tremendous scene(大鬧天宮 - from Journey to the West)
  • Making a fuss over nothing(無事生非)
  • A bustling and lively atmosphere(鬧鬧哄哄)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character originally depicted a market battle or conflict, combining 'gate' and 'fight', symbolizing commotion in a public space.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, 'noise' during festivals (like 鬧元宵) is often seen as positive, representing joy and celebration.
  • The character carries both positive connotations (festive bustle) and negative ones (quarrels, disturbances).

FAQ