Usage of 吐 (tǔ)
The character 吐 primarily means "to spit" or "to vomit." It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, it can describe the physical action of spitting saliva or vomiting due to illness. Additionally, 吐 can be used metaphorically to mean "to reveal" or "to confess" something hidden, such as a secret or feelings.
Common Collocations
- 吐口水 (tǔ kǒushuǐ): to spit saliva, often expressing disgust or anger.
- 吐血 (tǔ xiě): to vomit blood, used in medical or dramatic contexts.
- 吐露心声 (tǔlù xīnshēng): to reveal one's true feelings or secrets.
Notes
When using 吐 to mean "to vomit," it often appears with other words indicating what is being vomited or the cause. In figurative use, 吐 is often combined with words like 露 (lù) to form expressions about revealing information. Be careful not to confuse 吐 with similar verbs like 喷 (pēn, to spray) or 呕 (ǒu, to vomit, but more colloquial).