unknown, 8 strokes, radical 口, rank #14993, Very Hard
dōng(dong1) T1
1onomatopoetic, a thumping sound
2boom (of a drum)
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March 24, 2026
咚dōng(dong1)
The character 咚 (dōng) is an onomatopoetic word that represents a deep, resonant thumping sound, often associated with drums or heavy objects hitting the ground. It can also convey a sense of something impactful or sudden happening, frequently used in storytelling or music to create vivid imagery.
Strokes8Radical口Frequency#14993DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sounds play an essential role in storytelling and poetry, with onomatopoeic words like 咚 adding depth to descriptions. It is often used in traditional songs or performances to signify significant moments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large drum that, when struck, produces a low 'dōng' sound that resonates through the air. The character 咚 resembles a mouth (口) opening wide to shout the 'dōng' sound, emphasizing the loudness of the thump.
Meanings of 咚
dōng(dong1)
1onomatopoetic, a thumping sound
2boom (of a drum)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 咚 means.
About 咚
咚Simplified
8Strokes
口Radical
拟声词onomatopoeia (onom.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 咚
Podcast: 咚
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AI Study Notes for 咚
Usage Notes
咚 is typically used in informal contexts, often in spoken language or creative writing. Learners should be mindful of its sound mimicking nature and avoid using it in formal settings. A common collocation is '咚咚声' (the sound of thumping).
HSK Study Tips
Although 咚 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for students at all levels to understand onomatopoeic words, which can enhance their listening and speaking skills. Students should focus on how onomatopoeia can add color and emotion to their language use.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 咚 with other sound-related words like '响' (xiǎng, to sound) or '声' (shēng, sound). For example, saying '他发出响的一声咚' is incorrect; the correct phrasing would be '他发出咚的一声'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 咚
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Etymology of 咚
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 冬 represents the sound.
咚 = 口 + 冬. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 咚
IDS Structure⿰口冬
咚Full Character
=
口kou3
left
冬dong1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 咚?
How to say onomatopoetic, a thumping sound in Chinese
“onomatopoetic, a thumping sound” in Chinese is咚dōng
The character 咚 (dōng) is an onomatopoetic word that represents a deep, resonant thumping sound, often associated with drums or heavy objects hitting the ground. It can also convey a sense of something impactful or sudden happening, frequently used in storytelling or music to create vivid imagery.
When to use 咚
咚 is typically used in informal contexts, often in spoken language or creative writing. Learners should be mindful of its sound mimicking nature and avoid using it in formal settings. A common collocation is '咚咚声' (the sound of thumping).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 咚 with other sound-related words like '响' (xiǎng, to sound) or '声' (shēng, sound). For example, saying '他发出响的一声咚' is incorrect; the correct phrasing would be '他发出咚的一声'.
Write 咚
咚
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Practice writing 咚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 咚
咚 functions as an onomatopoeic word — it imitates a sound. It often functions as an adverbial or stand-alone exclamation rather than a true verb or noun. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
麦圭尔举起瓶子咕____咕咚地喝了一大通苦柠檬汁。
McGuire took a long swig from his bottle of bitter lemon.
