Learn a Chinese Character - 喇

1. Character Basics

Radical: 口 (kǒu, mouth radical)

Stroke Count: 12

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lǎ (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Used in onomatopoeic words and as a component in compound words; often related to sounds or specific terms

4. Common Words

• 喇叭 (lǎba) - Trumpet; loudspeaker; horn
• 喇嘛 (lǎma) - Lama (Tibetan Buddhist monk)
• 呼喇 (hūlā) - Swish; rustle (onomatopoeia)
• 哈喇子 (hālazi) - Saliva (colloquial)
• 喇子 (lǎzi) - Rascal; scoundrel (colloquial)
• 喇叭裤 (lǎbakù) - Bell-bottom pants
• 喇叭花 (lǎbahuā) - Morning glory (flower)
• 喇叭筒 (lǎbatǒng) - Megaphone

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "喇" is rarely used alone and is primarily found in compound words. It often appears in onomatopoeic expressions or specific terms.

Pattern 1: 喇 + [Character] - Forming specific terms (e.g., 喇叭, 喇嘛)

Pattern 2: [Character] + 喇 - Forming onomatopoeic words (e.g., 呼喇, 哈喇)

6. Cultural Background

The character "喇" is most commonly associated with "喇叭" (lǎba), which refers to trumpets or loudspeakers, and "喇嘛" (lǎma), which refers to Tibetan Buddhist monks. In Chinese culture, traditional musical instruments like the suona (唢呐) are sometimes referred to as "喇叭". The term "喇嘛" reflects the cultural and religious connection between China and Tibetan Buddhism.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "喇" consists of the radical "口" (kǒu, mouth) on the left and "剌" (là) on the right. Since "口" is related to the mouth, and "喇" is often used in words related to sound, you can remember it as a character associated with sounds coming from the mouth or through devices like loudspeakers.