Usage of 哄
The character 哄 has two main uses in Mandarin. First, it means to coax or soothe someone, especially a child, often to stop them from crying or to calm them down. For example, 哄孩子 means to coax a child. Second, 哄 can describe a loud burst of laughter, often collective, as in 哄堂大笑, meaning everyone laughing loudly together.
Common Collocations
- 哄孩子: to coax or soothe a child
- 哄堂大笑: a loud roar of laughter from a group
- 哄骗: to deceive or coax someone (less common but related)
Notes
When used to mean coaxing, 哄 is often followed by the person or child being soothed. When describing laughter, it usually appears in set phrases like 哄堂大笑. Avoid confusing 哄 with 哄骗 (to deceive), which shares the character but has a negative connotation.
The tone is generally informal and used in everyday speech, especially in family or social contexts.