Meaning and Usage
The adjective 好听 (hǎotīng) literally means "good to listen to" and is used to describe sounds, voices, music, or speech that are pleasant or enjoyable to hear. It is a common compliment for songs, voices, or storytelling.
Common Collocations
- 好听的歌 (hǎotīng de gē): a good-sounding song
- 声音很好听 (shēngyīn hěn hǎotīng): a pleasant voice
- 讲得好听 (jiǎng de hǎotīng): told nicely or appealingly
These collocations emphasize the pleasant auditory quality.
Usage Notes
好听 is often used in everyday conversation to express that something sounds nice or is melodious. It can describe music, someone's voice, or even the way something is said. It is generally positive and informal.
Avoid confusing 好听 with 好看 (hǎokàn, "good-looking") or 好吃 (hǎochī, "tasty"), which describe visual and taste qualities respectively.