HSK · Level 123
47 words
Chinese word
哄
Pronunciation
Pinyinhǒng
Meaning
- verbcoax
Example
妈妈在哄孩子睡觉。mā mā zài hǒng hái zi shuì jiào
Mom is coaxing the child to sleep.
More examples
老师用玩具来哄孩子吃饭。lǎo shī yòng wán jù lái hǒng hái zi chī fàn
The teacher used a toy to coax the child to eat.
Core concept
Expressive words or actions work on another person until that person feels better, laughs, or goes along with something.
Common phrases
哄宝宝睡觉hǒng báo bǎo shuì jiào
coax the baby to sleep
哄孩子吃饭hǒng hái zi chī fàn
coax the child to eat
哄朋友开心hǒng péng yǒu kāi xīn
cheer up a friend
Similar words
逗dòu: Amusing someone by making them laugh or drawing their attention.
安抚ān fǔ: Soothing a worried or angry person until they feel calm.
哄骗hǒng piàn: Deceiving someone with clever words so they follow one's wishes.
抚慰fǔ wèi: Offering comfort that softens sadness or emotional pain.
Definition in Chinese
用言语、表情或动作使对方高兴或顺从，常用于哄孩子或安抚情绪；口语中也可指用话诱骗或逗人发笑。yòng yán yǔ biǎo qíng huò dòng zuò shǐ duì fāng gāo xìng huò shùn cóng cháng yòng yú hǒng hái zi huò ān fǔ qíng xù kóu yǔ zhōng yě kě zhǐ yòng huà yòu piàn huò dòu rén fā xiào
Word origin
哄 (hǒng, "coax") contains 口 (kǒu, "mouth") beside 共 (gòng, "together"), a useful reminder that its meanings grow from vocal or expressive interaction rather than quiet persuasion alone.
Usage tips
- The verb often appears in family talk about settling a child, but with an adult it can suggest flattery or deception, making the relationship and purpose important parts of its meaning.