Definition
喃喃 is an onomatopoeic word that mimics the sound of muttering, murmuring, or speaking in a low, indistinct voice. You'll often see it in the phrase 喃喃自语 (nán nán zì yǔ), meaning 'to talk to oneself' or 'to mutter under one's breath'. It is not used to describe a generally talkative person — that would be a different word.
on.
mutteringmurmuring (onomatopoeia)
Examples
- 喃喃，。Tā zuò zài jiǎoluò nán nán zìyǔ, méi rén tīng qīng tā shuō shénme.He sat in the corner muttering to himself; no one could hear what he said.
- 喃喃。Chuāng wài chuánlái yízhèn nán nán de shuōhuà shēng.A sound of murmuring voices came from outside the window.
- 喃喃。Tā zài shuìmèng zhōng bùduàn nán nán zhe shénme.She kept murmuring something in her sleep.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.