轰
hōng
The Chinese word for the abrupt, low-pitched sound "boom" is 轰 (hōng).
轰 is a noun used to represent an abrupt, low-pitched sound. The informal onomatopoeic word 砰 is used to mimic the sound of a sudden explosion or impact.
Meaning: abrupt, low-pitched sound (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe an event happening with a sudden boom, the structure 轰的一声 (hōng de yī shēng) is used, where 一声 means "one sound".
How do you pronounce it?
hōng
Did you know?
- The simplified form of 轰 contains the character for 'vehicle', suggesting the sound is historically linked to the heavy, rhythmic rumbling of heavy carriages or carts.
- While 轰 describes a low-pitched boom, it is also used in the word 轰动 (hōngdòng), which describes a 'boom' in terms of social sensation or a sensation that 'shakes' the public.
- In modern internet slang, 轰 is often used to describe 'bombing' or 'blasting' a social media feed with an overwhelming amount of posts or comments.
Examples in context
- 当爆炸声响起时，人们都被吓到了。When the boom sound occurred, everyone was startled.
- 远处传来了轰的一声。Yuǎnchù chuánláile yī shēng hōng.A boom sound came from a distance.
- 我听到了巨大的轰鸣声。Wǒ tīngdàole jùdà de hōngmíng shēng.I heard a huge booming sound.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are watching fireworks together.
- 志强 Zhiqiang听，又是的一声轰！tīng, yòu shì de yī shēng hōng!Listen, there's another boom!
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这次的烟花真响。zhè cì de yān huā zhēn xiǎng.These fireworks are really loud.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那个轰的声音好震撼。nà ge hōng de shēng yīn hǎo zhèn hàn.That booming sound is so powerful.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，太壮观了。shì de, tài zhuàng guān le.Yes, it's spectacular.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 轰, CC BY-SA 4.0.
