Definition
喀 (kā) is an onomatopoeic word that imitates the sound of coughing or vomiting, similar to 'ahem' or 'hack' in English. It is often used in comics, informal writing, or dialogue to represent a throat-clearing or retching noise. Unlike English onomatopoeia, 喀 is a single sharp syllable and can be repeated for emphasis (喀喀).
onomatopoeia
sound of coughing or clearing one's throatsound of vomiting or retching
Examples
- ,喀,。Tā késòu le jǐ shēng, ránhòu kā le yì shēng, jìxù shuōhuà.He coughed a few times, then made a 'kā' sound, and continued speaking.
- “喀喀”。Mànhuà lǐ de rénwù nánshòu shí zǒngshì fāchū “kākā” de shēngyīn.Characters in comics always make a 'kā kā' sound when they feel sick.
- ,喀。Tā hē de tài jí, tūrán kā yì shēng tǔ le chūlái.He drank too quickly and suddenly let out a 'kā' as he vomited.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.