Chinese Character: 喉
1. Character Basics
Radical: 口/kǒu (mouth) + 侯/hóu (marquis)
Stroke Count: 12 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Hóu (Second tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Throat; larynx
Extended Meanings: Voice box; gullet; Adam's apple
Additional Notes: Refers to the part of the neck that contains the vocal cords and is used for breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
4. Common Words
- 喉咙 (hóu lóng) - Throat
Example: 我的喉咙很痛。(Wǒ de hóu lóng hěn tòng.) - My throat is very sore. - 喉结 (hóu jié) - Adam's apple
Example: 男性通常有明显的喉结。(Nánxìng tōngcháng yǒu míngxiǎn de hóu jié.) - Men usually have a prominent Adam's apple. - 咽喉 (yān hóu) - Throat; key point
Example: 这里是交通咽喉。(Zhèlǐ shì jiāotōng yānhóu.) - This is a transportation hub. - 喉舌 (hóu shé) - Mouthpiece; voice
Example: 这家报纸是政府的喉舌。(Zhè jiā bàozhǐ shì zhèngfǔ de hóushé.) - This newspaper is the government's mouthpiece. - 喉部 (hóu bù) - Throat area
Example: 医生检查了他的喉部。(Yīshēng jiǎnchále tā de hóubù.) - The doctor examined his throat.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Mainly used as a noun, but can also be part of compound words.
Common Usage: Often used in medical and biological contexts to refer to the physical throat, or metaphorically to refer to a key point or voice.
Common Structures:
- 喉 + [body part]: 喉结 (Adam's apple), 喉管 (throat tube)
- [adjective] + 喉: 咽喉 (throat), 哑喉 (hoarse throat)
- 喉 + [function]: 喉舌 (mouthpiece), 喉音 (throaty voice)
Usage Notes: When used metaphorically, it often implies a crucial or central role, similar to how the physical throat is essential for breathing and speaking.
6. Cultural Background
Traditional Medicine: In traditional Chinese medicine, the throat is considered a vital passage connected to both the respiratory and digestive systems.
Literary Symbolism: In Chinese literature, the throat is often used metaphorically to represent a person's voice, expression, or the ability to speak freely.
Idiomatic Expressions: There are several idioms involving the throat, such as "咽喉要地" (yān hóu yào dì), meaning a strategic location or key point.
Performance Arts: In Chinese opera and singing traditions, the throat is highly valued as it is essential for producing the distinctive vocal styles.
Health Practices: Traditional practices like throat exercises and herbal remedies for throat health are common in Chinese culture.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
Chinese: 他因为感冒，喉咙很不舒服。
Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi gǎnmào, hóu lóng hěn bù shūfú.
English: Because of the cold, his throat is very uncomfortable.
Example 2:
Chinese: 教师需要保护好自己的喉咙。
Pinyin: Jiàoshī xūyào bǎohù hǎo zìjǐ de hóu lóng.
English: Teachers need to take good care of their throats.
Example 3:
Chinese: 这个地区是交通咽喉，非常重要。
Pinyin: Zhège dìqū shì jiāotōng yānhóu, fēicháng zhòngyào.
English: This area is a transportation hub and very important.
8. Memory Tips
Structure Memory: The character 喉 consists of 口 (mouth) on the left and 侯 (marquis) on the right. Imagine a marquis speaking through his mouth, which relates to the throat as the organ used for speaking.
Sound Association: The pinyin "hóu" sounds similar to the English word "throat" when spoken quickly, which can help with memorization.
Vocabulary Grouping: Group words related to the throat together: 喉咙 (throat), 喉结 (Adam's apple), 咽喉 (throat), etc. This helps in associating the character with its related concepts.
Stroke Order Practice: Pay attention to the stroke order, especially for the right part 侯. Practice writing the character several times to memorize its structure.
Context Usage: Use the character in sentences related to health, communication, or anatomy to reinforce its meaning and usage.