Definition
呢喃 is a mimetic word describing soft, repetitive sounds. It primarily refers to the gentle twittering of swallows or small birds, but it's also used to mean a low, indistinct murmur or whisper (like someone speaking softly to themselves or muttering). Although it's a noun, it often appears in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke a soundscape.
noun
the twittering or chirping of swallowsa soft murmurwhisperor muttering (of a person)
Examples
- ，呢喃。Chūntiān lái le, yànzi zài wūyán xià ní nán.Spring has come, and the swallows are twittering under the eaves.
- ，呢喃。Tā zuò zài chuāng biān, zuǐ lǐ bùtíng de ní nán zhe shénme.She sat by the window, softly murmuring something to herself.
- 呢喃，。Fēngshēng zhōng jiāzá zhe yànzi de ní nán, shífēn dòngtīng.The wind carries the twittering of swallows — it's very pleasant to hear.
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