响声

xiǎngshēng

noise

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Understanding 响声

The word 响声 (xiǎngshēng) refers to a sound or noise, often emphasizing the audible effect or echo of something. It is commonly used to describe any kind of sound that can be heard, especially sudden or noticeable noises.

Usage in Daily Conversation

响声 is often used when talking about sounds that attract attention or indicate an event, such as a machine working, footsteps, or unexpected noises. It can describe both natural and artificial sounds.

Common Collocations

  • 发出响声 (fāchū xiǎngshēng): to emit a sound; used when something produces noise.
  • 突然响声 (tūrán xiǎngshēng): sudden noise; used to describe unexpected sounds.
  • 响声 (yuǎnchù xiǎngshēng): distant sound; used when the source of the sound is far away.

Nuances and Tips

响声 focuses more on the sound itself rather than the source. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid confusing 响声 with 声音 (shēngyīn), which is a more general term for sound or voice; 响声 often implies a distinct or noticeable noise.

Summary

Use 响声 when you want to highlight the presence or occurrence of a sound, especially when it is sudden, distinct, or noteworthy. It helps convey the sensory experience of hearing in a vivid way.

Example Sentences

夜里突然传来一阵响声,吓了我一跳。

Yè lǐ tūrán chuán lái yī zhèn xiǎngshēng, xià le wǒ yī tiào.

Suddenly, a noise came from the night, which startled me.

机器发出响声,说明它正在工作。

Jīqì fāchū xiǎngshēng, shuōmíng tā zhèngzài gōngzuò.

The machine makes a sound, indicating it is working.

他听到了远处传来的响声,便走过去查看。

Tā tīng dào le yuǎn chù chuán lái de xiǎngshēng, biàn zǒu guòqù chákàn.

He heard a sound coming from afar and went over to check.