Usage of 呼 (hū)
The character 呼 primarily means "to breathe out," "to exhale," or "to call/shout." It is often used to describe the action of breathing deeply or sighing, as well as calling out to someone or shouting loudly.
Common contexts
- Breathing or sighing: 呼气 (exhale), 呼吸 (breathing)
- Calling or shouting: 呼喊 (shout), 呼救 (call for help)
Collocations and patterns
When used to describe breathing, 呼 often appears in medical or physical contexts. When used to describe calling or shouting, it conveys urgency or loudness.
Nuances
呼 can express both a physical action (breathing) and a vocal action (calling out). It is more formal or literary than some colloquial verbs for shouting. Avoid confusing 呼 with 喊 (hǎn), which is more commonly used for loud shouting without the nuance of calling.
Summary
Understanding 呼 helps learners describe both physical breathing actions and vocal calls or shouts, making it versatile in spoken and written Chinese.