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A2 noun #7,000 most common 10 min read

叫声

jiaosheng Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 叫声 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 叫声 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '叫声' (jiào shēng) as a simple way to describe what animals do. Think of it as 'animal sound.' When you see a cat or a dog, you can say '这是猫的叫声' (This is the cat's sound). It is one of the first words you use to talk about nature. You mostly use it with the word '听' (tīng, to listen) or '听到' (tīng dào, to hear). At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar. Just remember: [Animal Name] + 的 + 叫声. For example, '小鸟的叫声' (bird's sound). This helps you identify things you hear around you. It is a very useful word for basic daily life and for children's stories where animals speak or make noises. You can also use it to ask questions like '这是什么动物的叫声？' (What animal's sound is this?). This word is very concrete and easy to visualize, making it a perfect addition to your early vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '叫声' in more complete sentences to describe your environment. You can add adjectives to describe the sound, such as '大' (dà, big/loud) or '好听' (hǎo tīng, pleasant to hear). For example, '这种鸟的叫声很好听' (This kind of bird's call is very pleasant). You also learn that '叫声' is a noun, while '叫' is the verb. This is an important distinction! You can say '狗在叫' (The dog is barking) or '我听到了狗的叫声' (I heard the dog's bark). You might also hear this word in public places like parks or zoos. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between '叫声' (vocal sounds) and '声音' (general sounds). If you hear a car, use '声音'; if you hear a bird, use '叫声'. This adds precision to your Chinese and shows you understand the difference between living things and objects.

At the B1 level, you can use '叫声' to describe more complex scenes and emotions. You might use it in a narrative context, like '深夜里，远处传来一阵凄凉的叫声' (In the middle of the night, a desolate cry came from afar). Here, you are using the measure word '一阵' (yī zhèn) and the adjective '凄凉' (qī liáng) to set a mood. You also start to see '叫声' used for human vocalizations, like '欢呼的叫声' (shouts of cheering) or '尖叫声' (screams). You are now able to talk about the purpose of these sounds—for example, explaining that a mother bird's '叫声' is to call its babies. You can also compare different animals using this word. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like '模仿' (mó fǎng, to imitate), so you can say '他能模仿很多动物的叫声' (He can imitate many animal calls). This level is about moving from simple identification to descriptive storytelling.

At the B2 level, '叫声' becomes a tool for more sophisticated description and literary analysis. You will encounter it in modern Chinese literature and news reports. You should understand the nuances of how '叫声' can reflect a character's state of mind or the atmosphere of a setting. For instance, in a story, the '叫声' of a crow might symbolize bad luck or a dark premonition. You also begin to learn more formal synonyms like '鸣叫' (míng jiào) and when to use them instead of the more common '叫声'. You can discuss the scientific aspects of animal communication, using '叫声' to describe frequency, pitch, and social signals. Your grammar should be more precise, using varied measure words like '声' (shēng) or '串' (chuàn) to describe the rhythm of the sounds. You are also expected to recognize '叫声' in metaphorical contexts, such as the 'calls' of a crowd in a political or social movement.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of '叫声' and its place in the broader spectrum of Chinese acoustics and linguistics. You can appreciate the use of this word in classical-style modern prose and specialized scientific texts. You understand how authors use auditory imagery involving '叫声' to create layers of meaning. You can also distinguish between various types of vocalizations with high precision, choosing between '吼叫' (roar), '啼鸣' (chirp/crow), and '哀号' (wail) based on the specific animal and the desired tone. You are comfortable using '叫声' in academic discussions about animal behavior or phonetics. You also understand the cultural significance of certain animal calls in Chinese history and mythology, such as the '叫声' of a phoenix or a dragon. At this level, your use of the word is not just about communication, but about nuance, style, and cultural resonance.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '叫声' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word in extremely specific technical contexts or in high-level literary creation. You are aware of the etymological roots of '叫' and '声' and how their meanings have evolved over centuries. You can analyze the rhythmic patterns of '叫声' in poetry and how they contribute to the 'tone and rhythm' (平仄) of a piece. You can engage in complex debates about the translation of animal onomatopoeia and the conceptual boundaries of what constitutes a '叫声' versus a 'language.' You might use the word in philosophical contexts, discussing the 'call' of nature or the existential 'cries' of humanity. Your ability to manipulate the word, its synonyms, and its associated idioms is effortless, allowing you to express the most subtle shades of meaning in any professional or artistic setting.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

叫声 in 30 Seconds

A noun referring specifically to the vocal sounds of animals or the sudden shouts of humans, essential for describing nature and pets.
Used in the pattern [Animal] + 的 + 叫声, it focuses on the auditory output rather than the action of calling.
Distinguished from '声音' (general sound) by its biological origin; you wouldn't use it for machines or musical instruments.
Commonly found in children's stories, nature documentaries, and descriptive literature to create atmosphere and identify living creatures.

The Chinese term 叫声 (jiào shēng) is a fundamental noun in the Mandarin lexicon, primarily used to describe the vocalizations produced by animals. In its most literal sense, it translates to 'calling sound' or 'vocal sound.' The word is composed of two characters: 叫 (jiào), which acts as a verb meaning to shout, call, or cry out, and 声 (shēng), which means sound or voice. Together, they form a specific noun that focuses on the auditory output of a living being, most commonly applied to non-human creatures. For a beginner or intermediate student, understanding this word is crucial for describing nature, household pets, and environmental experiences.

Core Definition: The specific vocal sound or cry emitted by an animal, such as a bark, a meow, a chirp, or a roar.

While '声音' (shēng yīn) is the general word for any sound (including music, thunder, or machines), 叫声 is specifically reserved for biological vocalizations. If you hear a dog barking, you would refer to that noise as its 叫声. If you hear a bird singing in the morning, the collective sound of its chirping is also its 叫声. It is an essential word when you want to be precise about the source of a noise being a living creature rather than an inanimate object.

清晨，我被窗外小鸟的叫声吵醒了。(In the early morning, I was woken up by the chirping of the little birds outside the window.)

In certain contexts, 叫声 can also refer to human shouts or cries, particularly when they are sudden, loud, or involuntary. For instance, a 'shout of joy' (欢呼的叫声) or a 'cry of pain' (痛苦的叫声) uses this term to emphasize the raw, vocal nature of the sound rather than the linguistic content of what was said. This distinction is vital: 叫声 highlights the sound itself, whereas other words might focus on the words spoken.

Culturally, Chinese speakers use this word to bring scenes to life in storytelling. In literature, describing the 叫声 of a distant wolf or the rhythmic 叫声 of cicadas in summer sets a specific mood. In daily life, if you are looking for your pet, you might listen for their 叫声 to find their location. It is a versatile, descriptive, and highly functional noun that bridges the gap between simple observation and evocative description.

Common Contexts: Farms, forests, zoos, residential neighborhoods with pets, and narrative descriptions of emotions.

远处传来了狼的叫声，听起来很凄凉。(The howl of a wolf came from afar; it sounded very desolate.)

Using 叫声 (jiào shēng) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it represents a sound, it often appears as the object of verbs like 听 (tīng - to listen), 听到 (tīng dào - to hear), or 模仿 (mó fǎng - to imitate). It can also be the subject of a sentence, described by various adjectives to indicate volume, tone, or emotion.

Structure: [Animal] + 的 + 叫声: This is the most common pattern. For example: 青蛙的叫声 (The croaking of a frog).

When you want to describe the quality of the sound, you can use adjectives like 清脆 (qīng cuì - crisp/clear), 响亮 (xiǎng liàng - loud and clear), or 难听 (nán tīng - unpleasant to hear). For instance, '乌鸦的叫声很难听' (The crow's call is very unpleasant). This allows the speaker to convey not just that a sound occurred, but how it affected the listener.

那个小孩在模仿鸭子的叫声，逗得大家哈哈大笑。(That child is imitating the quacking of a duck, making everyone laugh.)

In more complex sentences, 叫声 can be used to indicate a state of being or a reaction. For example, '充满了...的叫声' (filled with the sounds of...). You might say, '森林里充满了各种鸟类的叫声' (The forest is filled with the calls of various bird species). This usage is very common in descriptive writing to create a sense of atmosphere or setting.

Furthermore, 叫声 can be paired with verbs of movement or direction, such as 传来 (chuán lái - to come from/spread). For example, '从林子里传来一阵叫声' (A cry came from the woods). This creates a dynamic image of sound traveling through space, which is a hallmark of natural Mandarin expression. Whether you are describing a peaceful farm or a chaotic marketplace, mastering this noun allows you to add an auditory layer to your communication.

Verbal Pairings: 听到 (hear), 辨别 (distinguish), 压制 (suppress), 录下 (record).

我能从各种叫声中辨别出我家狗的声音。(I can distinguish my dog's bark from all kinds of animal calls.)

In the real world, 叫声 (jiào shēng) is a word you will encounter in a variety of practical and educational settings. One of the most common places is in children's literature and educational media. Books and videos designed to teach toddlers about animals will frequently use this word to introduce the sounds that cows, pigs, and sheep make. If you are watching a Chinese dubbed nature documentary, such as those on CCTV-9, the narrator will use 叫声 to describe the communication methods of wild animals in their natural habitats.

Setting: The Countryside: In rural China, the morning is often defined by the '公鸡的叫声' (rooster's crow). Discussing the start of the day often involves this term.

You will also hear this word in urban environments, specifically regarding pets. In a vet's office or a pet shop, owners might describe their pet's health by mentioning a change in their 叫声. For example, '它的叫声听起来很沙哑' (Its cry sounds very hoarse). This is a practical application where the word facilitates communication about health and well-being.

动物园里，狮子的叫声震耳欲聋。(In the zoo, the lion's roar was deafening.)

In news reports or emergency situations, 叫声 might be used to describe human distress. If there is a report about an accident, a witness might say they heard '救命的叫声' (cries for help). This use is intense and highlights the urgency of the situation. Similarly, at a sports event, the '欢呼的叫声' (shouts of cheering) from the crowd creates a vivid picture of the atmosphere.

Finally, you will find this word in scientific and biological discussions. Researchers studying bioacoustics in China use 叫声 to refer to the frequency, duration, and purpose of animal signals. Whether it is a whale's song or a bat's echolocation (though usually referred to as pulses, '叫声' is often used in general descriptions), the word serves as the standard term for these vocal phenomena. Understanding this word thus opens up a wide range of topics, from simple childhood stories to complex scientific observations.

Setting: Public Parks: Elderly people in China often take their caged birds to parks. The '鸟叫声' (birdsong) is a defining characteristic of morning park life.

夏天的晚上，草丛里昆虫的叫声此起彼伏。(On summer nights, the chirping of insects in the grass rises and falls.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 叫声 (jiào shēng) is confusing it with the general word for sound, 声音 (shēng yīn). While all 叫声 are 声音, not all 声音 are 叫声. You should never use 叫声 to describe the sound of a car engine, a falling book, or music. Doing so would imply that these objects have vocal cords and are 'crying out,' which sounds very strange in Chinese.

Mistake 1: Overgeneralization: Using '叫声' for mechanical or environmental noises. Correct: 汽车的声音 (car sound), not 汽车的叫声.

Another frequent error is using 叫声 when a more specific verb is required. In English, we often say 'the dog is barking.' A common mistake for learners is to say '狗在叫声' (The dog is call-sound). This is grammatically incorrect because 叫声 is a noun. To express the action, you should use the verb 叫 (jiào) or specific verbs like 吠 (fèi - bark). The correct sentence would be '狗在叫' (The dog is calling/barking) or '我听到了狗的叫声' (I heard the dog's bark).

错误：收音机的叫声太大了。 (Incorrect: The radio's 'call' is too loud.)
正确：收音机的声音太大了。 (Correct: The radio's sound is too loud.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the measure words associated with 叫声. Since it is an abstract noun representing a sound, the measure word 阵 (zhèn) is frequently used to describe a 'burst' or 'spell' of sound. Saying '一个叫声' (one call-sound) is technically possible but often sounds less natural than '一阵叫声' (a burst of calls) when the sound is continuous or repeated.

Finally, be careful with the distinction between animal sounds and human speech. If someone is speaking normally, you should never refer to it as 叫声. This word implies a lack of linguistic structure—it's a raw vocalization. Referring to someone's speech as 叫声 can be interpreted as insulting, suggesting that they are making animal-like noises rather than speaking intelligently, unless you are specifically referring to them screaming in terror or shouting in a crowd.

Mistake 2: Measuring Sounds: Using '个' instead of '阵' or '声'. Use '几声叫声' for a few cries.

错误：他说话的叫声很好听。 (Incorrect: His speaking 'call' is pleasant.)
正确：他说话的声音很好听。 (Correct: His speaking voice is pleasant.)

To truly master the concept of 叫声 (jiào shēng), it is helpful to compare it with other words that describe sound or animal vocalizations. The most prominent alternative is 鸣叫 (míng jiào). While 叫声 is a general noun, 鸣叫 is more formal and often used as a verb or a noun specifically for birds, insects, or certain elegant animals. You would use 鸣叫 in a poem or a scientific report about birdsong, whereas 叫声 is used in everyday conversation.

Comparison: 叫声 vs. 声音: '叫声' is specifically vocal (animals/shouts). '声音' is any audible vibration (music, wind, speech).

Another related term is 呐喊 (nà hǎn), which refers to a loud, purposeful shout or battle cry by humans. Unlike 叫声, which can be an involuntary animal sound, 呐喊 implies intent and strength. Similarly, 呼喊 (hū hǎn) is used for calling out to someone from a distance. These words are more specific than the broad category of 'human 叫声'.

诗人笔下的鸟儿正在鸣叫，而小孩子只会说听到了鸟的叫声。(The birds in the poet's writing are 'míngjiào-ing', while a child would simply say they heard the birds' 'jiàoshēng'.)

For specific animals, Chinese has dedicated verbs that are more descriptive than just using 叫声. For example, 咆哮 (páo xiào) for a lion's roar, 嘶鸣 (sī míng) for a horse's whinny, and 吠 (fèi) for a dog's bark. While you can always fall back on [Animal] + 的叫声, using these specific terms demonstrates a higher level of proficiency and a richer vocabulary.

Lastly, consider 噪音 (zào yīn), which means 'noise' in a negative or chaotic sense. If an animal's 叫声 is annoying or too loud, you might refer to it as 噪音. For example, '邻居家的狗半夜的叫声真是噪音' (The neighbor's dog's barking at midnight is truly noise). This shows how 叫声 can be categorized by the listener's perception. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the most appropriate word for the situation, moving beyond basic communication to expressive mastery.

Specific Animal Verbs: 吼叫 (hou jiao - roar), 哀鸣 (ai ming - mournful cry), 啼叫 (ti jiao - crow/chirp).

马的嘶鸣声在山谷中回荡。(The whinnying of the horse echoed in the valley.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese, animal sounds were often described with very specific single characters (like '吠' for dogs). '叫声' is a more modern, generalized compound that makes communication easier.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiːˈaʊ ʃʌŋ/

US /dʒiˈaʊ ʃɛŋ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '叫' (jiào), which is in the fourth tone (falling).

Rhymes With

笑声 (xiào shēng) 歌声 (gē shēng) 钟声 (zhōng shēng) 风声 (fēng shēng) 雨声 (yǔ shēng) 掌声 (zhǎng shēng) 琴声 (qín shēng) 哭声 (kū shēng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jiao' as 'gee-ao' with two distinct beats; it should be one smooth diphthong.
Missing the fourth tone on '叫', making it sound like 'jiāo' (first tone).
Confusing the 'sh' in 'sheng' with a plain 's' sound.
Pronouncing 'sheng' like 'shing' instead of using the mid-central vowel.
Failing to distinguish the tones, which are crucial for meaning.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple, but '声' has several strokes. Common in early reading materials.

Writing 3/5

Writing '声' (sheng) correctly requires attention to stroke order and balance.

Speaking 2/5

Tones are the main challenge; 'jiao' is fourth tone, 'sheng' is first tone.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable once the 'jiao' sound is mastered in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

猫 (cat) 狗 (dog) 听 (listen) 大 (big/loud) 好 (good)

Learn Next

鸣叫 (birdsong/formal) 咆哮 (roar) 噪音 (noise) 节奏 (rhythm) 频率 (frequency)

Advanced

声波 (sound wave) 回声 (echo) 共鸣 (resonance) 音色 (timbre) 发声 (vocalization)

Grammar to Know

Using '的' to connect owners and sounds.

我的狗的叫声。

Measure word '阵' for sounds of short duration.

一阵叫声。

Adjective + 的 + Noun structure.

奇怪的叫声。

Verb '听到' vs '听' for resultative hearing.

我听到了叫声。

Onomatopoeia + 的 + 叫声.

汪汪的叫声。

Examples by Level

我听到了猫的叫声。

I heard the cat's meow.

Subject + Verb + Object (Noun phrase: Animal + 的 + 叫声)

这是什么动物的叫声？

What animal's sound is this?

Question structure using '什么' as a modifier for '动物'.

小鸟的叫声很好听。

The bird's call is very pleasant.

Adjective '好听' describes the noun '叫声'.

狗的叫声很大。

The dog's bark is very loud.

Adjective '大' describes the volume of the sound.

公鸡的叫声在早上。

The rooster's crow is in the morning.

Time phrase '在早上' indicates when the sound occurs.

我不喜欢乌鸦的叫声。

I don't like the crow's call.

Negative structure '不喜欢' + Object.

鸭子的叫声是‘嘎嘎’。

The duck's sound is 'quack quack'.

Identifying the sound using onomatopoeia.

听！那是羊的叫声。

Listen! That is the sheep's bleat.

Imperative '听!' followed by a demonstrative '那是'.

森林里有很多鸟的叫声。

There are many bird calls in the forest.

Existential sentence: Place + 有 + Noun.

他在模仿老虎的叫声。

He is imitating the tiger's roar.

Progressive aspect '在' + Verb '模仿'.

这种叫声听起来很奇怪。

This kind of call sounds very strange.

Verb '听起来' (sounds like) + Adjective.

我被狗的叫声吵醒了。

I was woken up by the dog's barking.

Passive structure '被' to indicate the cause of an action.

你能听出这是哪种鸟的叫声吗？

Can you tell which kind of bird's call this is?

Resultative verb '听出' (to distinguish by hearing).

猫的叫声很温柔。

The cat's meow is very gentle.

Adjective '温柔' (gentle) used to describe the sound.

青蛙的叫声在夏天很常见。

Frog croaks are very common in summer.

Time phrase '在夏天' + Adjective '常见'.

不要害怕，那只是风吹过树林的叫声。

Don't be afraid; that's just the 'sound' of wind blowing through the trees (metaphorical/mistaken).

Negative imperative '不要' + Verb '害怕'.

寂静的夜晚，蝉的叫声显得格外响亮。

In the quiet night, the cicadas' chirping seemed exceptionally loud.

Adverb '格外' (exceptionally) modifying the adjective '响亮'.

他从那急促的叫声中听出了动物的恐惧。

He heard the animal's fear in those hurried cries.

Prepositional phrase '从...中' (from within).

一阵清脆的鸟叫声打破了清晨的宁静。

A burst of crisp bird calls broke the silence of the early morning.

Measure word '一阵' for a burst of sound.

屋子里充满了孩子们欢快的叫声。

The room was filled with the happy shouts of children.

Verb '充满' (filled with) + Object.

那种动物的叫声非常凄惨，让人难过。

That animal's cry is very miserable, making people feel sad.

Causative structure '让' (make/let).

他在录音，想把森林里的叫声记下来。

He is recording; he wants to record the sounds in the forest.

Resultative verb '记下来' (to record/write down).

除了风声，我什么叫声也听不见。

Except for the wind, I can't hear any calls at all.

Structure '除了...什么也/都...' (except for... anything...).

母鸡下蛋后会发出得意的叫声。

Hens make a proud sound after laying an egg.

Verb phrase '发出...叫声' (to emit a sound).

山谷中回荡着猿猴的叫声，气氛有些神秘。

The cries of apes echoed in the valley; the atmosphere was somewhat mysterious.

Verb with aspect marker '回荡着' (echoing).

这种罕见鸟类的叫声具有极高的辨识度。

The call of this rare bird species has a extremely high level of recognizability.

Abstract noun phrase '具有...辨识度' (possess... recognizability).

他试图通过叫声来判断动物的年龄和性别。

He tried to judge the animal's age and gender through its calls.

Structure '通过...来...' (through... to...).

即使在嘈杂的市场，他也能辨认出母亲的叫声。

Even in a noisy market, he could identify his mother's shout.

Conjunction '即使...也...' (even if... also...).

狼群的叫声在荒野中显得格外凄厉。

The howling of the wolf pack sounded exceptionally shrill in the wilderness.

Adjective '凄厉' (shrill and mournful) describing the sound.

这些叫声构成了大自然最原始的交响乐。

These calls constitute nature's most primitive symphony.

Metaphorical use of '交响乐' (symphony).

那声尖锐的叫声划破了黑夜的沉寂。

That sharp cry pierced the silence of the dark night.

Verb '划破' (to pierce/cut through).

由于惊吓，他的叫声已经完全变了调。

Due to shock, his cry had completely changed its tone.

Structure '由于...' (due to) and '变了调' (changed tone).

文学作品中常以杜鹃的叫声来寄托哀思。

In literary works, the cuckoo's cry is often used to convey grief.

Structure '以...来...' (using... to...).

生物学家正在研究这种鲸鱼叫声中的频率变化。

Biologists are studying the frequency changes in this whale's calls.

Possessive structure within a complex noun phrase.

那阵叫声虽然微弱，但在寂静的雪原上却清晰可辨。

Although that cry was faint, it was clearly discernible on the silent snowfield.

Conjunction '虽然...但...' (although... but...).

这种昆虫的叫声实际上是通过摩擦翅膀产生的。

The 'call' of this insect is actually produced by rubbing its wings together.

Passive-like structure '是通过...产生的' (is produced through...).

他在荒岛上生活多年，早已习惯了各种海鸟的叫声。

Having lived on a desert island for years, he had long been accustomed to the cries of various seabirds.

Adverb '早已' (long ago) + Verb '习惯' (accustomed to).

这种叫声中蕴含着某种警告的信号。

There is a certain warning signal contained within this call.

Verb '蕴含' (to contain/imply).

整座山林都回响着伐木工人的号子声和树木倒下的叫声。

The entire mountain forest echoed with the chants of loggers and the 'cries' (groans) of falling trees.

Personification of trees using '叫声'.

他能精准地捕捉到每一声细微的叫声，不愧是资深的猎人。

He can accurately capture every subtle cry; he truly is a veteran hunter.

Structure '不愧是' (truly worthy of being).

在远古神话中，龙的叫声被描述为能震动天地的大雷。

In ancient myths, the dragon's roar is described as great thunder that can shake heaven and earth.

Complex passive structure with '被描述为' (be described as).

这种鸟类的叫声在音调和节奏上呈现出极其复杂的规律性。

The calls of this bird species exhibit an extremely complex regularity in pitch and rhythm.

Technical terminology: '音调' (pitch), '节奏' (rhythm), '规律性' (regularity).

他的散文以细腻的笔触描绘了故乡清晨那充满生机的叫声。

His prose depicts the vibrant sounds of his hometown's early morning with delicate brushstrokes.

Literary phrase '细腻的笔触' (delicate brushstrokes).

这种深海生物的‘叫声’其实是低频的声波脉冲。

The 'call' of this deep-sea creature is actually low-frequency acoustic pulses.

Scientific clarification using '其实是' (actually is).

在这部电影中，叫声的使用极大地增强了惊悚的氛围。

In this movie, the use of screams/cries greatly enhanced the thrilling atmosphere.

Abstract noun usage as the subject of the sentence.

这种动物的叫声与环境噪声的频率完美重合，形成了一种天然的伪装。

The call of this animal perfectly overlaps with the frequency of environmental noise, forming a natural camouflage.

Technical phrase '完美重合' (perfectly overlap).

诗人将远处的猿鸣视作灵魂深处的叫声，表达了极致的孤独。

The poet regards the distant ape cries as the calls from the depths of the soul, expressing ultimate loneliness.

Structure '将...视作...' (regard... as...).

叫声的强度随距离的增加而衰减，这是声学中的基本原理。

The intensity of a call attenuates as distance increases; this is a basic principle in acoustics.

Scientific structure '随...而...' (as... then...).

Common Collocations

清脆的叫声

模仿叫声

一阵叫声

凄惨的叫声

欢快的叫声

辨别叫声

录下叫声

尖锐的叫声

各种叫声

动物的叫声

Common Phrases

鸟叫声

— The sound of birds chirping. Very common in descriptions of mornings.

每天早上我都被鸟叫声唤醒。

狗叫声

— The sound of a dog barking. Used in safety or neighborhood contexts.

深夜的狗叫声很吵。

欢呼声和叫声

— Cheers and shouts. Often used together to describe a crowd.

球场上充满了欢呼声和叫声。

救命的叫声

— Cries for help. Used in emergency or dramatic contexts.

他听到了救命的叫声。

凄厉的叫声

— A shrill and mournful cry. Used in horror or sad stories.

猫头鹰发出凄厉的叫声。

此起彼伏的叫声

— Calls rising and falling from different places. Used for groups of animals.

池塘里青蛙的叫声此起彼伏。

模仿各种叫声

— Imitating various calls. A common talent or child's game.

这个演员能模仿各种叫声。

微弱的叫声

— A faint cry. Used for small or weak animals.

草丛里传来微弱的叫声。

愤怒的叫声

— Angry shouts or roars.

狮子发出了愤怒的叫声。

熟悉的叫声

— A familiar call. Used for pets or common birds.

这是我熟悉的叫声。

Often Confused With

叫声 vs 声音

General sound vs vocal sound of animals/humans.

叫声 vs 名声

Reputation vs literal sound.

叫声 vs 喊声

Human shouting specifically vs general animal vocalization.

Idioms & Expressions

"鸡鸣犬吠"

— The sound of roosters crowing and dogs barking. Used to describe a peaceful, inhabited village.

这里鸡鸣犬吠，一派田园风光。

Literary

"燕语莺声"

— The chatter of swallows and the song of orioles. Describes a beautiful spring scene or a woman's pleasant voice.

春天到了，到处是燕语莺声。

Poetic

"鬼哭狼嚎"

— Ghosts weeping and wolves howling. Describes a terrible, mournful, or chaotic noise.

风声很大，听起来像鬼哭狼嚎。

Informal/Exaggerated

"雏凤清声"

— The clear cry of a young phoenix. Metaphor for a talented young person surpassing their elders.

看他的表现，真是雏凤清声。

Literary

"声嘶力竭"

— Voice hoarse and strength exhausted. Shouting until one is completely spent.

他声嘶力竭地呼喊着。

Neutral

"一鸣惊人"

— To amaze the world with a single cry. To achieve sudden greatness.

他平时不出声，这次真是一鸣惊人。

Idiomatic

"风声鹤唳"

— Hearing the wind and the cry of cranes and thinking they are enemy soldiers. Extreme nervousness or paranoia.

败军之将，风声鹤唳。

Literary/Historical

"龙吟虎啸"

— The dragon's chant and the tiger's roar. A metaphor for the powerful voices of heroes or grand natural sounds.

瀑布的声音如同龙吟虎啸。

Poetic

"鸦雀无声"

— Not even a crow or a sparrow makes a sound. Absolute silence in a crowd.

教室里鸦雀无声。

Common

"哀鸣遍野"

— Mournful cries spread all over the fields. Describing widespread suffering or disaster.

战争过后，哀鸣遍野。

Formal

Easily Confused

叫声 vs 声音 (shēng yīn)

Both mean 'sound'.

声音 is for anything (music, cars, rain). 叫声 is only for biological vocalizations (animals, human shouts).

收音机的声音 (radio's sound); 狗的叫声 (dog's bark).

叫声 vs 名声 (míng shēng)

Contains the character '声'.

名声 means reputation or fame. It has nothing to do with actual noise.

他的名声很好 (His reputation is good).

叫声 vs 喊声 (hǎn shēng)

Similar meaning of shouting.

喊声 is strictly for human shouting, often purposeful. 叫声 is broader and includes all animal noises.

远处的喊声 (shouts from afar).

叫声 vs 鸣叫 (míng jiào)

Both refer to animal sounds.

鸣叫 is more formal and poetic, usually for birds and insects. 叫声 is everyday language for all animals.

杜鹃鸣叫 (The cuckoo sings).

叫声 vs 歌声 (gē shēng)

Both are vocal sounds.

歌声 is specifically singing with melody and lyrics. 叫声 is raw vocalization.

她的歌声很动听 (Her singing is moving).

Sentence Patterns

这是[Animal]的叫声。

这是猫的叫声。

我听到[Animal]在叫。

我听到狗在叫。

[Animal]的叫声很[Adjective]。

鸟的叫声很好听。

一阵[Adjective]的叫声传来。

一阵凄惨的叫声传来。

他在模仿[Animal]的叫声。

他在模仿老虎的叫声。

叫声中充满了[Emotion]。

叫声中充满了恐惧。

[Place]回荡着[Animal]的叫声。

山谷回荡着猿猴的叫声。

[Sound]被描述为[Metaphor]的叫声。

雷声被描述为龙的叫声。

Word Family

Nouns

声音 (shēng yīn) - general sound

名声 (míng shēng) - reputation

大声 (dà shēng) - loud voice

Verbs

叫 (jiào) - to call/shout

喊 (hǎn) - to yell

鸣 (míng) - to cry (birds/insects)

Adjectives

响亮 (xiǎng liàng) - loud and clear

清脆 (qīng cuì) - crisp

尖锐 (jiān ruì) - sharp

动物 (dòng wù) - animal

耳朵 (ěr duo) - ear

听觉 (tīng jué) - sense of hearing

模仿 (mó fǎng) - to imitate

大自然 (dà zì rán) - nature

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common Mistakes

收音机的叫声很大。 → 收音机的声音很大。
Radios are not living beings; they don't have '叫声'.
狗在叫声。 → 狗在叫。
You cannot use a noun ('叫声') as a verb. Use the verb '叫' instead.
他说话的叫声好听。 → 他说话的声音好听。
Normal human speech is '声音'. '叫声' implies shouting or animal-like noises.
一个叫声打破了沉默。 → 一声叫声打破了沉默。
The measure word '声' or '阵' is more natural than '个' for sounds.
我模仿鸟的声音。 → 我模仿鸟的叫声。
While not strictly wrong, '叫声' is much more precise and natural for animal vocalizations.

Tips

Noun vs. Verb

Remember that '叫声' is a noun. Use it as an object or subject. If you want to say an animal is currently making a sound, use the verb '叫'.

Animal Specificity

While '叫声' is great, try to learn onomatopoeia like '汪汪' (wang wang) to sound more native when describing sounds.

Nature Writing

In essays, use '一阵' (a burst) with '叫声' to describe the rhythmic nature of sounds in a forest.

Biological Only

Keep '叫声' for things that breathe. For machines, wind, and water, stick with '声音'.

Tone Accuracy

The fourth tone on '叫' is sharp and falling. Mastering this will help you distinguish it from other 'jiao' words.

Emotion through Adjectives

Don't just say '叫声'. Add '好听', '难听', or '奇怪' to express your opinion about the sound.

Atmosphere Building

Use '传来了...的叫声' (the sound of ... came from) to create a sense of distance and space in your stories.

Symbolism

Be aware that certain animal '叫声' (like crows or magpies) have cultural meanings in China.

Imitation Game

Practice saying '[Animal] de jiaosheng' and then make the sound. It's a fun way to memorize the word.

Formal Alternatives

Once comfortable, start using '鸣叫' for birds to elevate your level of Chinese.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jiao' as a 'Yell' (it sounds a bit like 'meow' or 'howl') and 'Sheng' as a 'Song'. Animal calls are just the songs they yell!

Visual Association

Imagine a big 'Mouth' (口) radical in '叫' opening wide to let out a sound wave that travels to an 'Ear' (the original meaning of '声').

Word Web

狗 (Dog) 猫 (Cat) 鸟 (Bird) 听 (Listen) 大 (Loud) 自然 (Nature) 模仿 (Imitate) 声音 (Sound)

Challenge

Try to identify three different animal '叫声' in a park and name them in Chinese using the formula: [Animal] + 的 + 叫声.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters. '叫' (jiào) dates back to early script and features the 'mouth' radical (口), indicating its connection to vocalization. '声' (shēng) originally depicted an ear listening to a musical stone, representing sound or music.

Original meaning: The combination of 'vocalizing' and 'sound' specifically to denote the audible output of a living being.

Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic branch.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '叫声' to describe people; it can imply they are behaving like animals unless the context is clearly about shouting in excitement or pain.

English has specific nouns for every animal sound (bark, meow, moo). Chinese frequently uses the general '叫声' modified by the animal name, which is simpler for learners.

The poem 'Spring Morning' (春晓) by Meng Haoran mentions hearing birds calling (闻啼鸟). The idiom 'Chicken and Dog sounds' (鸡犬之声) from the Tao Te Ching represents a small, peaceful society. Lu Xun's famous essay 'Wild Grass' uses the cries of animals to symbolize social awakening.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Zoo

狮子的叫声
大象的叫声
听狮子的叫声
害怕老虎的叫声

In the Countryside

公鸡的叫声
牛的叫声
清晨的叫声
满地的鸡鸣叫声

Describing a Crowd

欢呼的叫声
惊讶的叫声
愤怒的叫声
一阵阵叫声

Nature Documentary

求偶的叫声
警告的叫声
独特的叫声
辨别动物的叫声

Daily Life with Pets

猫的叫声很软
狗的叫声太吵
模仿宠物的叫声
听见家里的叫声

Conversation Starters

"你最喜欢哪种动物的叫声？ (Which animal's call do you like best?)"

"你觉得猫的叫声好听还是狗的叫声好听？ (Do you think cat meows or dog barks sound better?)"

"你能模仿几种动物的叫声？ (How many animal calls can you imitate?)"

"你会被早上的鸟叫声吵醒吗？ (Do you get woken up by bird calls in the morning?)"

"如果你在森林里听到奇怪的叫声，你会怎么办？ (What would you do if you heard a strange cry in the forest?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你今天听到的第一种动物的叫声。 (Describe the first animal call you heard today.)

写一段关于清晨森林里各种叫声的文字。 (Write a passage about the various calls in the forest in the early morning.)

你觉得为什么动物需要发出不同的叫声？ (Why do you think animals need to make different sounds?)

描述一次让你感到害怕或者惊讶的叫声。 (Describe a cry that made you feel scared or surprised.)

如果动物不再发出叫声，世界会变成什么样？ (What would the world be like if animals no longer made sounds?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '喇叭声' (lǎ bā shēng) or '声音'. '叫声' implies a living being with a voice.

It is broader. It covers bark, meow, chirp, moo, etc. You specify the animal before it.

You say '狗的叫声很大' (Gǒu de jiàoshēng hěn dà).

Usually, we use '哭声' (kū shēng) for crying. '叫声' would only be used if the baby is shouting or screaming without crying.

The most common measure word is '阵' (zhèn) for a burst of sound, or '声' (shēng) for a single cry.

Not by itself. You need to add adjectives like '欢快' (happy) or '凄惨' (miserable) to convey emotion.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from casual talk to news reports.

Yes, if you are referring to a shout or scream you made, but not if you are just talking.

Because it is the standard scientific and descriptive term for animal vocal signals.

'叫' is the verb (to call/bark), while '叫声' is the noun (the call/the bark).