Meanings of 聳
By ear
Play it, then pick what 聳 means.
About 聳
Podcast: 聳
Podcast: 聳
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 聳
耸 (sǒng) vs 提 (tí) — use 聳 (sǒng) when emphasizing height or grandeur, while 提 (tí) focuses on lifting or carrying something without the connotation of elevation.
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 聳 with similar-sounding words, such as 像 (xiàng) which means 'to resemble.' It is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 聳立 (sǒnglì) meaning 'to stand tall' or 'to tower over.'
Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 聳 can enhance your descriptive language skills. It connects well with other words related to height, such as 高 (gāo) meaning 'high' and 塔 (tǎ) meaning 'tower.' Focus on how it can describe both physical structures and metaphorical concepts.
Learners often misuse 聳 by applying it in informal contexts where simpler words like 高 (gāo) would suffice. For example, saying 聳的房子 (sǒng de fángzi) to mean 'high house' is incorrect; instead, use 高的房子 (gāo de fángzi).
Pronunciation of 聳
Drill the tone of 聳 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 聳 to You
Let me explain 聳 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 聳 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 聳
Phonosemantic compound. 耳 represents the meaning and 从 represents the sound. Simplified form of 聳.
ear
Origin
聳 = 耳 + 從. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 聳
Parts
Which of these is part of 聳?
How to say to excite, to urge; to raise; to shrug; lofty, towering in Chinese
“to excite, to urge; to raise; to shrug; lofty, towering” in Chinese is聳
The character 聳 (sǒng) primarily means to raise or elevate something, often in a physical or figurative sense. It can describe structures that are lofty or towering, as well as evoke a sense of excitement or urgency. In contexts like architecture or landscapes, it conveys the impressive height or stature of an object.
When to use 聳
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 聳 with similar-sounding words, such as 像 (xiàng) which means 'to resemble.' It is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 聳立 (sǒnglì) meaning 'to stand tall' or 'to tower over.'
聳 or something close to it
耸 (sǒng) vs 提 (tí) — use 聳 (sǒng) when emphasizing height or grandeur, while 提 (tí) focuses on lifting or carrying something without the connotation of elevation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 聳 by applying it in informal contexts where simpler words like 高 (gāo) would suffice. For example, saying 聳的房子 (sǒng de fángzi) to mean 'high house' is incorrect; instead, use 高的房子 (gāo de fángzi).
Write 聳
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 聳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 聳?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 聳
Characters with 聳
What does 耸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 聳
It is pronounced as 'sǒng' with a rising tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 聳?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.