哭

You can use it as a simple verb. Put a subject before it like 他哭了 (He cried). You can also describe how someone cries. Use 大哭 (dà kū) for loud, heavy crying. Use 小声哭 (xiǎoshēng kū) for quiet sobbing. It often pairs with the particle 了 to show the action started.

Use it when you see a baby crying for milk. Use it when your friend is heartbroken over a breakup. It works perfectly when watching a sad movie together. You can even use it when you are laughing so hard you cry. In texting, it is great for expressing minor frustrations. For example, 'I forgot my lunch 我要哭了' (I'm gonna cry).

Avoid using it in very stiff, formal business reports. In those cases, use more formal terms like 流泪 (liú lèi). Don't use it to mock someone unless you are very close. It can feel a bit blunt if used without empathy. If someone is just a bit 'teary-eyed,' 哭 might feel too heavy.

In traditional Chinese culture, showing extreme emotion was often discouraged. There is a famous saying: 'Men do not easily cry.' However, modern China is much more expressive. On the internet, 哭 has become a cute way to complain. Young people use 'cry' emojis constantly to show they are overwhelmed. It is no longer just about deep tragedy.

You will often hear 别哭了 (bié kū le), which means 'stop crying.' Another common one is 哭笑不得 (kū xiào bù dé). This describes a situation so ridiculous you don't know whether to cry or laugh. If someone is a 'crybaby,' you call them a 爱哭鬼 (ài kū guǐ).